New Zealand have expanded their pool of Test players by naming a 19-man group for the one-off match against Ireland and the subsequent three-game sequence in England, with the tour set to get underway later this month. The selection committee has put a strong emphasis on seam and swing options, selecting a substantial pace contingent that includes Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner alongside Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke for both legs of the trip.
For the Ireland fixture, Michael Rae and uncapped allrounder Kristian Clarke have been added to the squad. In England, Ben Sears is set to join as travelling cover following his involvement in the initial part of the tour. Jamieson’s recall is a return to international red-ball cricket for the first time since February 2024, when a back stress fracture forced him out of action for more than two years from the format.
Even with the extended absence, Jamieson’s record in Tests continues to stand out: he has taken 80 wickets across 19 matches at an average of 19. The 24-year-old O’Rourke, who benefited from Jamieson’s unavailability to establish himself, arrives with 39 wickets from 11 Tests. He is also back in contention after recovering from an injury of a similar nature that kept him sidelined for eight months.
Head coach Rob Walter described the return of the fast-bowling unit to full strength as a significant positive ahead of a demanding stretch of Test cricket. “It’s a great privilege to begin this next phase of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready,” Walter said. “Kyle has been working through the process of preparing his body for Test cricket. He’s really fit and strong at the moment, and he will add a distinctive edge to our bowling group. Will offers a high-quality mix of skills and physical attributes, which makes him a hugely exciting addition to any Test side. Ben brings height and good pace, and I really appreciate his aggression and wholehearted approach.”
The only player in the squad who has not yet played a Test is Central Districts allrounder Dean Foxcroft. His steady output in the Plunket Shield and a recent run of performances in Bangladesh have earned him his maiden call-up. Foxcroft admitted the selection came as a surprise. “I was blown away,” he said. “It’s quite surreal and a dream come true. From a young age you dream about playing Test cricket, or even just being in a Test squad, so I’m buzzing and I can’t wait.”
Tom Latham has been named as captain, with Tom Blundell selected as wicketkeeper for the tour. Will Young is included for the Ireland Test only. Daryl Mitchell is expected to be available despite returning early from the Pakistan Super League with a calf problem, while Jacob Duffy has not been considered as he prepares for the birth of his first child, a choice supported by the team management. Michael Bracewell, meanwhile, is unavailable for the Test period after prioritising white-ball commitments and spending time with his family.
Mitchell Santner continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury in New Zealand and could be considered for selection later, depending on how his recovery progresses. Walter also stressed the significance of this upcoming cycle, noting that the Ireland and England tour marks the start of a run of 13 Tests in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. New Zealand, currently placed second in the WTC standings, will host India in a two-match home series at the start of next summer, before travelling to Australia for four Tests in December-January.
That schedule then includes two Tests at home versus Sri Lanka and a final pair of Tests in Pakistan to close out the sequence. Walter said the opportunity to measure themselves against top Test sides is a compelling challenge, with WTC points adding further motivation. “To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge, and with the added carrot of the World Test Championship,” he said. “I know this is something players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time, and we’re determined to take the opportunity head on.”
A number of players, including Henry, Foulkes, Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, will link up with the squad after the IPL ends later this month. New Zealand kick off their tour with a four-day Test against Ireland in Belfast starting May 27, before moving to England for the Crowe-Thorpe series, where Test matches are scheduled at Lord’s, The Oval and Trent Bridge.
New Zealand Test Squad (Ireland & England)
- Tom Latham (c)
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Kristian Clarke (IRE only)
- Devon Conway
- Zak Foulkes
- Dean Foxcroft
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Henry Nicholls
- Will O’Rourke
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Rae (IRE only)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Ben Sears (IRE only & 16th travelling reserve for ENG)
- Nathan Smith
- Blair Tickner
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young (IRE only)
