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Williamson returns as Blackcaps name first Test squad for West Indies series
Sport Nation • November 24th, 2025 12:00 pm
Photo: Photosport
Kane Williamson is back in the Blackcaps Test squad with the opening showdown against the West Indies set for December 2 at Hagley Oval.
“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group," Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter said in a statement.
New Zealand have also brought in pace trio Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Blair Tickner - the latter returning to the red-ball side for the first time since 2023, continuing an encouraging summer for the Central Districts bowler after picking up consecutive Player of the Match honours in the recent ODI series against England.
Foulkes retains his place after a superb debut in Zimbabwe, which Walter praised:
“Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection."
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On Duffy and Tickner, he added:
“Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level. They’ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.”
Daryl Mitchell also returns to the squad after recovering from a minor groin injury picked up in the first ODI against the touring West Indies, where he top-scored with 119 runs in the seven-wicket victory at Hagley Oval.
Test squad regulars Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips haven't been considered for first Test selection while they continue to improve their match fitness as part of NZ Cricket's return-to-play plan. Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring) were also not considered due to injury.
Following on from Christchurch, Wellington's Basin Reserve will host the second Test from December 10, with the third and final of the Test series at Tauranga's Bay Oval from December 18.
Blackcaps squad for the opening Test vs West Indies
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Rachin Ravindra, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Join Sport Nation’s award-winning commentary team for live ball-by-ball coverage of the three-Test series between the Blackcaps and the West Indies, starting December 2.
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