New Zealand have named a strong squad for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India, with experienced skipper Tom Latham set to captain the side across the two-match series. The first Test begins in Wellington on 19 November.
The Black Caps have included Tom Blundell (quadricep), Devon Conway (concussion) and Rachin Ravindra (shoulder) in their 14-player group, even though all three are dealing with injury concerns.
A Rematch at Test Level
The two fixtures will be the first Test meeting between the nations since New Zealand recorded an upset 3-0 series triumph over India in the sub-continent in 2024. Both sides remain in the race for next year’s World Test Championship Final at The Oval.
New Zealand currently sit second in the World Test Championship standings, behind only first-placed South Africa. India are fourth, with reigning runners-up Australia ahead of them in third.
Squad Selection
The Black Caps’ squad is similar to the one that played England away from home earlier in the year. Jacob Duffy returns to the playing group, while Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip) and Will O’Rourke (managed) are the notable absentees.
The squad is: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
Walter Targets Home Success
New Zealand coach Rob Walter understands how much these matches matter as the Black Caps aim to reach the World Test Championship Final for the first time since they claimed the inaugural mace in 2021.
“This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps,” Walter said.
“The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil.
“We’ve experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we’re really looking forward to having that support during the Tests.
“There are 10 Tests scheduled between now and March, so there’s no shortage of action for red-ball fans.
“Valuable (World Test) Championship points are on the line of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India.”
The second Test follows in Christchurch from 27 November to 2 December.