Fast-bowling all-rounder Kyle Jamieson returns to the New Zealand squad for the two-Test series against England at home in February. It is the first time Jamieson has been selected since suffering a back injury during the tour of England in June last year.
Jamieson returned to New Zealand’s domestic cricket circuit in January this year and at the time of his selection in the Test squad had played two matches each for Auckland in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash.
Head coach Gary Stead said Kyle is a very determined character who has a strong desire to play international cricket for New Zealand. “Ever since he was forced off the field in Nottingham, he’s been very clear that he wants to get his body back.
“He has reported good progress since returning to professional cricket with Auckland and is set to play some long-form cricket as part of the New Zealand XI squad in next week’s warm-up match against England at Seddon Park. There will be a chance.”
Leg-spinner Ash Sodhi also retained his place in the 14-man squad after a brilliant comeback in the two-match series in Pakistan in December-January, his first Test series since 2018. Sodhi took 13 wickets in two matches, and also scored. A half century
“Ash has really impressed us with his style with the bat and the ball,” Stead said. “He’s worked really hard on both in recent years and it’s great to see him on the international Test stage.”
Off-spinning all-rounder Michael Bracewell is the second spin option in the squad, while left-armer Ijaz Patel and batsman Glenn Phillips were not in the group that traveled to Pakistan. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and fast bowler Matt Henry are expected to recover from their injuries in Pakistan by the time the squad assembles in Tauranga on February 12.
The first Test against England will be a day-night affair at Bay Oval from February 16 to 20, after which the teams will travel to Wellington for the second Test at Basin Reserve from February 24 to 28.
The series will be Tim Southee’s first full-time Test captaincy on home soil. He took over from Kane Williamson before the tour of Pakistan. Trent Boult, who opted out of his central contract, was not selected, although New Zealand selection manager Gavin Larson hoped the left-arm pacer would play the ODI World Cup in India in October-November. will
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