New Zealand Squad for England Series Test series

For the forthcoming three-match Tegel Test series against England, which begins at Hagley Oval on November 28, Wellington Firebirds bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has received his first Test call-up.

Smith was the most impressive bowler in the Plunket Shield competition last year, leading the charts with 33 wickets at an average of 17, including career-best First-Class figures of 6-36 against Canterbury in Rangiora. Smith made his full international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Wednesday.

Mitchell Santner has been chosen as the starting spinner for the second and third Test matches in Wellington and Hamilton, following his player of the match exploits in India.

With 13-157 in the second Test in Pune, the third-best Test match total by a New Zealander, Santner was instrumental in the historic 3-nil Test series victory over India.

After recuperating from the groin injury that kept him out of the India Test tour, Kane Williamson rejoins the Test team.

The BLACKCAPS will field a 13-man team for each Test, with Santner replacing one seam bowler for the second and third Tests at Seddon Park and Cello Basin Reserve.

The BLACKCAPS, who are now in fourth place on the table, only behind India (2nd) and Sri Lanka (3rd), still have a chance to advance to the third round of the ICC World Test Championship Final after the team's historic 3-0 series victory in India.

Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi were left out of the team that went India because the selectors wanted a new bowling combination for the anticipated home conditions. Mark Chapman was replaced by Williamson.

Given that veteran speed bowler Tim Southee has announced his intention to retire from international competition after the series, the highly anticipated three-Test series is expected to be his final one.

The first three days of the first Test at Hagley Oval are likewise on track to sell out, and the second Test at the Cello Basin Reserve is sold out for the first three days with limited seats for the fourth day.

Sam Wells, a BLACKCAPS selector, stated that the Test series was significant for a number of reasons.

"It's a huge series for the team in terms of the World Test Championship, and having to say goodbye to someone like Tim Southee now only makes it more significant," he stated.

"Tim will be remembered as one of the greatest BLACKCAPS and has had an incredible career.

The public and the squad will undoubtedly want to offer Tim a dignified farewell in the eagerly awaited series.

Nathan is excited to be included in the Test team for the first time as well. With a demonstrated First-Class record, Nathan is an exciting player who will undoubtedly contribute a great deal of skill and enthusiasm to the team.

After Patel's player of the match performance in Mumbai, Wells claimed it was difficult to leave him out, but the decision was influenced by Glenn Phillips' presence, Santner's recent Test form, and the anticipated home conditions.

Since being called up to the Test squad last year, Mitch has played incredibly well, and I have no doubt that his victory in the Pune Test will give him a lot of confidence.

"With the Barmy Army in attendance and sold-out crowds anticipated, we anticipate an incredible atmosphere throughout the series."

England vs. Blackcaps Test squad

Tom Latham (c)

Tom Blundell (wk)

Devon Conway

Jacob Duffy*

Matt Henry

Daryl Mitchell

Will O’Rourke

Glenn Phillips

Rachin Ravindra

Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests)

Nathan Smith*

Tim Southee

Kane Williamson

Will Young

Kyle Jamieson (back) and Ben Sears (knee) were not selected since they are still recovering from injuries.

Batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram will accompany BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead for the series.

Prior to the first Test commencing at Hagley Oval on Thursday, November 28, the BLACKCAPS Test team will gather in Christchurch on Monday, November 25.

England vs. Blackcaps: Tegel Test Series

1st Test - Thursday 28 November - Monday 2 December - Hagley Oval, Christchurch

2nd Test – Friday 6 December – Tuesday 10 December - Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

3rd Test – Saturday 14 December – Wednesday 18 December - Seddon Park, Hamilton