Key batter back, pace trio named in Black Caps Test squad

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 01:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, has been named in the Black Caps’ 14-player squad to face the West Indies beginning on 2 December.

Williamson missed his side’s Test series in Zimbabwe in August, and comes into the series inside 800 runs from the magical 10,000 mark.

The Kiwis meanwhile have also named pace bowlers Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Blair Tickner, alongside the likes of Matt Henry and Nathan Smith in a strong group of quicks.

Tickner returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023 after strong performances in New Zealand’s recent ODI series against England, while Duffy and Foulkes were valuable contributors on the Zimbabwe tour.

Daryl Mitchell has recovered from the minor groin injury he picked up during the ODI series against the West Indies, though Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips weren’t considered for the Test squad as they continue to build their match fitness as part of New Zealand’s load management plan.

Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring) were also ruled out for selection due to injury.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed the return of Williamson.

“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,” he said.

“He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield (New Zealand domestic four-day competition) in the lead-up to the first Test.”

After the first Test in Christchurch, the teams travel to Wellington for the second Test on December Test, with the third match at Bay Oval in Tauranga on 18 December.

It’s the Black Caps’ first series as part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship, while for the West Indies they aim for a first win in the new cycle after five defeats to begin the campaign.

New Zealand Squad, first Test v West Indies: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.