New Zealand have announced a 14-player squad for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India, led by experienced captain Tom Latham. The two-match red-ball series is scheduled to commence in Wellington on 19 November, marking the first time the two nations have met in the longest format since New Zealand secured a 3-0 series victory in the sub-continent in 2024.
The squad features Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra, despite the trio currently managing quadricep, concussion, and shoulder injury concerns respectively. Pacer Jacob Duffy has also returned to the playing group, while Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, and Will O'Rourke miss out on selection.
The New Zealand squad remains largely consistent with the group that traveled to England for matches earlier in the year. Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Will Young complete the 14-player selection.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter emphasized the significance of the upcoming fixtures as the team aims to secure a place in the World Test Championship Final. The Black Caps claimed the inaugural championship mace in 2021 and are targeting another appearance at The Oval.
"This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps," Walter said. "The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it'll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil."
Walter noted the strong backing the team has received during recent white-ball fixtures and expressed anticipation for similar support in the red-ball format. Ten Test matches are scheduled for the team between now and March.
"Valuable Championship points are on the line of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India," Walter added. Both nations remain in contention for the next World Test Championship Final.
In the current standings, New Zealand occupy second position behind table-leaders South Africa. India sit in fourth place in the standings, with reigning runners-up Australia positioned third.
The first Test of the series will take place in Wellington from 19 to 24 November. The second and final fixture is scheduled to be held in Christchurch from 27 November to 2 December.
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