Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke return to New Zealand's Test squad
Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke have been recalled by New Zealand as part of an expanded 19-man squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland and the three-match series in England, which starts later this month. For both tour segments, the selectors have named a substantial pace group that also includes Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner.
Ben Sears will travel as cover in England after being part of the first leg, and Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke, who has never played for Ireland, are included in the Ireland matchup. After missing more than two years from the format due to a stress fracture in his back, Jamieson's inclusion marks his return to Test cricket for the first time since February 2024.
His red-ball record remains outstanding despite the layoff, with 80 wickets at an average of 19 in just 19 Tests. After recovering from a similar injury that kept him out for eight months, the 24-year-old O'Rourke is back in contention. He quickly rose to prominence in Jamieson's absence and has taken 39 wickets from 11 Tests. Having the fast-bowling group back to full strength, according to head coach Rob Walter, was a significant boost ahead of a busy Test cricket season.
He stated, "It's a great privilege to begin this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all of our pace bowlers ready to go." "Kyle has been undertaking a journey to prepare his body for Test cricket. He is currently very fit and strong, and he will add a unique edge to our bowling lineup. Will brings a great set of skills and physical qualities to any Test team, making him an exciting addition. Ben brings height and good pace, and I love his aggression and whole-hearted approach to his bowling."
The only uncapped player in the squad is Central Districts allrounder Dean Foxcroft, whose consistent Plunket Shield performances and recent showing in Bangladesh have earned him a maiden call-up.
Foxcroft acknowledged that he was surprised by the selection. He stated, "I was blown away." "It's a dream come true and very surreal. I'm buzzing and I can't wait because you always dream of playing Test cricket or even just being in a Test squad. The team will be led by Tom Latham, with Tom Blundell serving as the designated wicketkeeper. Will Young has been picked for the Ireland Test only, while Daryl Mitchell is expected to be fit despite returning early from the Pakistan Super League with a calf issue.
Jacob Duffy was not considered for selection as he prepares for the birth of his first child, a decision backed by the team management. In the meantime, Michael Bracewell decided to put white-ball obligations and family time ahead of Test cricket. In New Zealand, Mitchell Santner continues his recovery from a shoulder injury. Depending on his progress, he may be called up later.
Walter emphasized the significance of the upcoming cycle, which begins with a tour of Ireland and England and is the first of 13 Test matches in the World Test Championship. At the beginning of the following summer, New Zealand, which is currently ranked second on the WTC table, will play India in a two-match series. They will then play four Tests away to Australia in December and January, two Tests at home against Sri Lanka, and two Tests in Pakistan to finish the series.
He stated, "It's an exciting challenge to be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world, with the added carrot of the World Test Championship." "I know it's something the staff and players have been looking forward to for a while, and we're determined to seize the opportunity head-on," the coach said. After the IPL concludes later this month, a few players, including Henry, Foulkes, Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips, will join the team.
On May 27, New Zealand will play a four-day Test against Ireland in Belfast. After that, they will travel to England for the Crowe-Thorpe series, which includes Test games at Lord's, The Oval, and Trent Bridge.
