Kane Williamson returns for WI Tests

Kane Williamson returns to the New Zealand Test squad for the first Test against the West Indies. Pace trio Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, and Blair Tickner have also been included in the 14-man squad. Daryl Mitchell has recovered from a minor groin injury and is included.

Williamson last played a Test for New Zealand in December last year and opted out of the Test series against Zimbabwe in July. He will feature for Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield to prepare for the Test.

Duffy and Foulkes made their Test debuts together against Zimbabwe, with Foulkes recording the best match figures by a New Zealander on debut (9 for 75). Tickner returns to the Test setup for the first time since March 2023.

Squad:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not considered as they continue to recover from injuries and build match fitness under a controlled return-to-play plan. Matt Fisher, Will O'Rourke, and Ben Sears are also still recovering from respective injuries.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed Williamson back: "Kane's ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group."

The first Test against the West Indies begins at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 2.