Swing bowler Trent Boult is back on the test scene for the Black Caps while Auckland pace bowler Kyle Jamieson is in line to make his test debut when New Zealand play India in the first test starting in Wellington on Friday.
Trent Boult will return to the Black Caps line-up for the test series against India. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
Boult broke a finger in the Boxing Day test against Australia and missed the rest of the series along with the one day and T20 matches against India but has been named in the 13 strong squad for the match.
"It's terrific to have Trent back with us and we're looking forward to the energy and experience he adds to the group alongside his obvious class with the ball in hand," said coach Gary Stead.
Jamieson performed well in the one day series against India and looks set to make his test debut this week.
"Kyle will offer us a point of difference with the bounce he could extract on what is traditionally a good surface in Wellington," he said.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Ajaz Patel is the sole spinner in the squad with Mitchell Santner dropped, Will Somerville unavailable due to injury and Todd Astle having now retired from red-ball cricket while Northern Districts allrounder Daryl Mitchell has been included as the batting and all-rounder cover.
"With a squad of 13 we've put a priority on balance and making sure we have the needed variety and different options depending on the pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve."
Wellington's Tom Blundell will open the batting with Tom Latham meaning there is no room in the squad for Auckland's Jeet Raval who has struggled for form in recent time.
The test will be veteran batsman Ross Taylor's 100th, meaning he'll joining former teammates Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming in reaching the milestone.
"To play 100 Tests for your country is an incredible achievement and a testament to his work ethic and complete professionalism," said Stead.
The squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.
