World Test Championship boost for Black Caps for Lord's Test

New Zealand have been boosted by news that experienced all-rounder Mitchell Santner has joined the team in the United Kingdom ahead of the first Test against England.

Santner was originally set to miss the opening ICC World Teat Championship contest against England due to an injury he picked up in the Indian Premier League, but the veteran has made a quicker recovery than expected and has been added to the Black Caps squad.

His addition means fellow all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will return home, leaving New Zealand with 16 players to choose from for the opening Test at Lord's.

The Kiwis warmed up for that match with a comprehensive victory over Ireland in the one-off Test in Belfast where pacers Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner shared 14 wickets and Tom Blundell and left-hander Rachin Ravindra each scored a century.

New Zealand will look to continue that momentum across the three-match series with England as they try and add valuable points to their World Test Championship campaign and earn a spot in next year's final at Lord's.

The Black Caps currently sit in second place on the World Test Championship standings.

New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Series schedule:

First Test: June 4-8, Lord's
Second Test: June 17-21, The Oval
Third Test: June 25-29, Nottingham