New Zealand have named a strengthened Test squad for their upcoming England tour, boosting their bid to secure a place in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Led by captain Tom Latham, New Zealand currently sit second in the standings with a point percentage of 77.78, keeping them firmly in contention for a top-two finish.
The major boost for the side is the return of fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke. Jamieson will play his first Test since February 2024, while O’Rourke returns after last featuring in August 2025 against Zimbabwe.
They join a deep pace attack featuring Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Zak Foulkes, and others, as New Zealand look to exploit English conditions across a three-Test series.
Senior batters Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Henry Nicholls also feature in a strong batting unit, while uncapped all-rounder Dean Foxcroft earns selection.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the upcoming fixtures present a major opportunity as the team builds toward the next phase of the World Test Championship cycle. “We’re determined to meet the challenge head on,” he said.
Tour schedule
New Zealand will begin with a one-off Test against Ireland at Stormont, Belfast from May 27–30, followed by a three-Test series against England at Lord’s, The Oval, and Trent Bridge.
Squad changes
Jacob Duffy misses the tour due to the birth of his child, while Michael Bracewell is absent after opting to focus on white-ball cricket. Ben Sears is included for Ireland and serves as a travelling reserve for the England Tests.
New Zealand’s remaining schedule includes Tests against India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan as they continue their WTC campaign.