Thursday 28 November 2013

Williamson Named In New Zealand Test Squad

Kane Williamson (left) and Corey Anderson are recovering from injuries and are in the Test squad

REUTERS / Action Images

Kane Williamson has been named in New Zealand's squad for the opening Test against the West Indies but will face a late fitness test on the thumb he fractured in Bangladesh.

Like Williamson, captain Brendon McCullum, all-rounder Corey Anderson and batsman Ross Taylor are in the squad having recovered from injuries.

There is also a recall for opening batsman Aaron Redmond, who could achieve the rare distinction of playing both for and against a touring side in consecutive fixtures after he was one of a number of guest New Zealanders playing in the tour game at Lincoln.

However, he has been selected as cover for Williamson and is unlikely to play his first Test since 2008.

Also returning after a lengthy absence is Tim Southee, back in the Test squad after ankle surgery, although he did feature during the One-Day International series in Bangladesh.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and Anderson, who made their debuts in Bangladesh, are poised to make their home debuts.

The opening Test in Dunedin begins on 3rd December.

New Zealand Test squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Peter Fulton, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling Kane Williamson