Pace dominates New Zealand squad for English summer
New Zealand are all set to face Ireland in a one-off Test, followed by a three-game Test series against England, which will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Tom Latham leads a comprehensive unit, which will seek to further their position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. New Zealand are at the second spot in the standings, with a point percentage of 77.78. The top two sides in the standings will contest in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.
The day New Zealand became the WTC21 Champions
Full Match Highlights: The key moments from the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 as New Zealand beat India to secure their first WTC mace
The big news for New Zealand is that their pace resources have been bolstered with the return of Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke. This will be Jamiseon's first Test outing since February 2024, and O'Rourke's first game in the format since the Zimbabwe Test in August 2025.
The duo will join Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner, who are a part of both the tours. Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke, on the other hand, are only part of the Ireland leg of the tour.
Ben Sears is also included for the Ireland tour, but will be the 16th travelling reserve for the England Tests.
On the other hand, Jacob Duffy misses the tour as he awaits the birth of his first child. Spinner Michael Bracewell also misses out as he has elected to stick to white-ball cricket for now.
Otherwise, New Zealand bear a solid look with batting star Kane Williamson in the mix along with Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. Also selected is uncapped batting all-rounder Dean Foxcroft.
All seven of Kyle Jamieson's WTC21 Final wickets
Jamieson played a major role in helping New Zealand claim the first World Test Championship Final against India
This is the beginning of an important leg for New Zealand in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
The side will host India in a two-Test series at the start of their home season, followed by four Tests away to Australia in December-January, two Tests at home against Sri Lanka, and two Tests in Pakistan to finish.
Head coach Rob Walter was gearing up for the challenges ahead.
"To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge and with the added carrot of the fourth edition of the World Test Championship,” he said.
“I know it’s something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we’re determined to meet the opportunity head on.”
Tour Schedule:
May 27-30, Only Test, v Ireland, Stormont, Belfast
June 4-8, First Test, v England, Lord’s, London
June 17-21, Second Test, v England, The Oval, London
June 25-29, Third Test, v England, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Kristian Clarke (Ireland only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland and 16th Travelling reserve for England), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland only).