Kane Williamson returns to New Zealand squad for Test tours to Ireland, England

By SABC Sport
6th May 2026

Kane Williamson will make his return to international cricket later this month after being named in New Zealand's squad for the one-off Test against Ireland and the series in England.

The 35-year-old Williamson last represented the Black Caps in a Test against West Indies in December last year, and said at the time that he will evaluate his future on a "series-by-series" basis.

The prolific right-handed batter is 539 runs away from becoming the first New Zealand player to reach 10 000 Test runs.

The Kiwis have stacked their squad with plenty of fast-bowling options with Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke recalled to the longest format following injury layoffs.

The duo will be joined the pace department by Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said: "It's a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go.

"Kyle's been on a journey of getting his body ready for Test cricket. He's really fit and strong at the moment and will bring a unique edge to our bowling line-up.

"Will brings a quality set of skills and physical attributes which make him a hugely exciting addition to any Test team."

Mitchell Santner, who has returned from the IPL and is currently undergoing rehab for a shoulder injury, could be added to the squad at a later stage.

Tom Blundell is the only specialist wicketkeeper in the extended squad but captain Tom Latham can step in as a gloveman, if needed.

Dean Foxcroft has earned his maiden Test call-up after impressing in the recent white-ball matches in Bangladesh while the more experienced Henry Nicholls has also returned after a strong domestic season with the bat.

The Test against Ireland starts on 27 May in Belfast with the three-match series against England set to get underway at Lord's on 4 June with further matches at the Oval and Trent Bridge.

New Zealand Test squad: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wk), Kristian Clarke (Ireland Test only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland Test only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland Test and travelling reserve for England Tests), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland Test only)