New Zealand announce 15-man squad for Test series against England
Pacer Lockie Ferguson is finally set to make his Test debut for New Zealand after being included in the 15-man squad for the two-match series against England. Skipper Kane Williamson also returns to the fold after taking a well-deserved break in the T20I series.
The batting order for the Kiwis sorts itself out with Tom Latham and Jeet Raval opening the innings. Williamson, Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls will form a strong middle-order supported by wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling. Colin de Grandhomme will be the front-line all-rounder.
Mitchell Santner has been picked as the first-choice spinner and will also be expected to contribute with the bat. Todd Astle has pipped Ajaz Patel as the back-up spinner in the squad. It will the pacers though who will be expected to do the damage in helpful conditions.
Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson form a sensational pace battery. There will also be a lot of competition amongst them to make the playing XI.
Ferguson ready for Test cricket
On Ferguson’s inclusion, chief selector Gavin Larsen claimed that the pacer was more than ready for Test cricket:
“There’s no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we’re delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold. It’s well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability. He showed good form against England in the recent T20 series and backed that up with a solid outing for the Auckland Aces in the Plunket Shield, where he claimed 4 for 23 against the Wellington Firebirds.Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment. We feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture and will create some great competition.”
The first Test of the high-profile series will begin on November 21 at Mount Maunganui. The second Test will take place in Hamilton between 29th November to 3rd December.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk)
