Williamson included in New Zealand squad for Ireland and England Tests

WELLINGTON: Kane Williamson has been named in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming Test tour of Ireland and England, keeping him on course in his bid to reach 10,000 runs in the format.

The 35-year-old batter has scored 9,461 runs at an average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches. In December, Williamson had said he was weighing up retirement.

As you get to the latter stages (of your career) those thoughts certainly enter your mind.

Williamson had said, adding at the time that his future with the Black Caps would be decided on a series-by-series basis.

New Zealand’s 19-man squad will play a one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast from May 27 before beginning a three-match series against England on June 4. The latest selection means Williamson has committed to New Zealand’s next four Tests. Later in the year, New Zealand are also scheduled to face India at home and Australia away.

Young left out for England leg

One of the notable selection decisions is the omission of Will Young from the England portion of the tour, with Henry Nicholls preferred instead. Young has been included for the Ireland Test only and will return home after that match.

The decision comes despite Young having been the long-standing reserve option in New Zealand’s batting group. In limited chances, he registered four scores of 50 or more in his last nine Test innings, including 74 as an opener against Zimbabwe while facing a hostile spell from fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani on a lively surface.

Nicholls, who recently returned to the side after 18 months out of international cricket, came in the following day on what was described as a then-placid pitch and made 150 not out, having barely faced Zimbabwe’s leading fast bowler.

Walter names two possible debutants

Black Caps coach Rob Walter also picked two players who could make their Test debuts: seamer Kristian Clarke and spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft.

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 fourth edition of the World Test Championship.

Walter said.

I know it's something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we're determined to meet the opportunity head on.

New Zealand have also been strengthened by the return of Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke. Jacob Duffy, however, will miss the tour as he awaits the birth of his child.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Michael Bracewell has said he will no longer play Test cricket and will instead concentrate on limited-overs formats.

Squad

New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, 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, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only).