Daryl Mitchell has been passed fit after overcoming a minor groin injury sustained during the first ODI against the same opponents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Williamson had skipped the July Test series versus Zimbabwe and has not played a Test for New Zealand since December last year. To prepare for his return, he is set to turn out for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunkett Shield.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Duffy and Foulkes both debuted in the Zimbabwe series, with Foulkes making headlines by recording the best match figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut\u20149 for 75. Tickner, meanwhile, is back in the Test frame for the first time since March 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips weren\u2019t considered for the first Test as they continue to build their match fitness as part of a managed red-ball return-to-play plan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Matt Fisher (shin), Will O\u2019Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring) were not considered for selection due to injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed the return of Williamson to an already high performing Test side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cKane\u2019s 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he\u2019s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Walter spoke on Zak Foulkes\u2019 selection after his Test debut in Zimbabwe earlier in the year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cZak couldn\u2019t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Walter said Duffy and Tickner were experienced campaigners. \u201cBoth Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level. They\u2019ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The first Test starts in Christchurch at Hagley Oval on December 2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Walter said Duffy and Tickner were experienced campaigners. \u201cBoth Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level. They\u2019ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.<\/p>\r\n\r\n