The Black Caps Test bowling lineup has been bolstered the return of pacers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke for the upcoming Tests against England and Ireland.
The team will play a one-off Test against Ireland on May 27, followed by a three-match series against the Brendon McCullum-coached England starting June 4.
Central Districts batting all-rounder Dean Foxcroft received a maiden call up after a solid Plunket Shield season and impressive recent white-ball performances for the Black Caps.
Foxcroft said he was "blown away" by the call up.
"From a young age you dream about playing Test cricket or even just to be in a Test squad – so I’m buzzing and I can’t wait."
The South African-New Zealander averages just under 32 in first-class cricket, having scored 15 half centuries and two centuries since debuting for Central Districts in 2018.
Veteran batter Kane Williamson's inclusion will be a welcome sight for fans, as he looked to add to his Test career runs tally of 9461. He last played in the Test side against the West Indies in December.
Both returning from back injuries, Jamieson and O'Rourke will join quicks Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner for both series.
"It’s a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go," coach Rob Walter said.
"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."
Jacob Duffy will be absent as he and his wife await the birth of their first child.
Coach Rob Walter said it was set to be an exciting period for the Test team, which sits at 2nd on the World Test Championship table and has matches scheduled against Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
“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,” he 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.”
In-form middle-order batter Henry Nicholls has earned a recall, while Daryl Mitchell was "on track" to be fully fit for the tour after recently suffering a calf injury.
Mitchell Santner may be included later in the England series as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
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Black Caps Test squad to Ireland and England
Tom Latham (C) – Canterbury
Tom Blundell (WK) – Wellington Firebirds
Kristian Clarke* – Northern Districts (IRE only)
Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds
Zak Foulkes – Canterbury
Dean Foxcroft* – Central Stags
Matt Henry – Canterbury
Kyle Jamieson – Canterbury
Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury
Henry Nicholls – Canterbury
Will O’Rourke – Canterbury
Glenn Phillips – Otago Volts
Michael Rae – Canterbury (IRE only)
Rachin Ravindra – Wellington Firebirds
Ben Sears – Wellington Firebirds (IRE only & 16th travelling reserve for ENG)
Nathan Smith – Wellington Firebirds
Blair Tickner – Central Stags
Kane Williamson – Northern Districts
Will Young – Central Stags (IRE only)
*Potential format debut
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