New Zealand Announces Test Squad for Ireland and England Tours

New Zealand's Test Squad Announcement

New Zealand has announced the inclusion of fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and William O'Rourke in their squad for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and England. Additionally, uncapped allrounder Dean Foxcroft has received his first call-up in a 19-member squad revealed by New Zealand Cricket.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, former captain Kane Williamson is also part of the squad as New Zealand gears up for a one-off Test match against Ireland in Belfast starting May 27, followed by a three-match series in England that kicks off at Lord's on June 4. This four-day Test in Belfast will mark New Zealand's inaugural Test on Irish soil and will not contribute to the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Key Players Returning from Injury

Jamieson makes his return to the Test team after more than two years, having recovered from a back stress fracture sustained in early 2024. The tall fast bowler has been cautiously managed since his comeback, participating in limited domestic red-ball matches for Canterbury during the Plunket Shield season.

O'Rourke is also back after a long absence due to a back injury and has recently participated in competitive matches with New Zealand A and ODI formats.

Expanded Pace Attack for Upcoming Tours

Head coach Rob Walter has named an extended pace-bowling lineup that features Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner. Sears, Kristian Clarke, and Michael Rae will only play in the Ireland Test, which is outside the World Test Championship cycle.

Additional Squad Changes

Batter Henry Nicholls returns to the squad following an impressive domestic season with Canterbury, while Foxcroft has been recognized for his consistent performances in domestic cricket and during the recent white-ball tour in Bangladesh.

New Zealand will be without allrounder Michael Bracewell, who has chosen to step away from red-ball cricket, and pacer Jacob Duffy, who is missing the tour due to the impending birth of his first child.

The series against England will also feature the second edition of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, which was established in 2024 to honor Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe.

Complete New Zealand Test Squad

The Test squad includes: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Kristian Clarke (Ireland Test only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland Test only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland Test and traveling reserve for England Tests), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young (Ireland Test only).