New Zealand have recalled fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke as part of an expanded 19-man squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland and the three-match series in England, beginning later this month.
The selectors have leaned heavily into seam resources, naming a sizeable pace group that also features Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner for both legs of the tour. Michael Rae and uncapped Kristian Clarke are included for the Ireland fixture, while Ben Sears will travel as cover in England after being part of the initial leg.
Jamieson's inclusion marks his return to Test cricket for the first time since February 2024 with a back stress fracture ruling him out for more than two years from the format. Despite the layoff, his red-ball record remains exceptional - 80 wickets in just 19 Tests at an average of 19. The 24-year-old O'Rourke, who rose quickly in Jamieson's absence, has 39 wickets from 11 Tests and is back in contention after recovering from a similar injury that kept him out for eight months.
Head coach Rob Walter said having the fast-bowling group back at full strength was a major boost ahead of a busy stretch of Test cricket. "It's a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go," he 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. Ben brings height and good pace, and I love his aggression and whole-hearted approach to his bowling."
The only uncapped player in the squad is Central Districts allrounder Dean Foxcroft, whose consistent Plunket Shield performances and recent showing in Bangladesh have earned him a maiden call-up. Foxcroft admitted the selection caught him off guard. "I was blown away," he said. "It's quite surreal and a dream come true. 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."
Tom Latham will captain the side, with Tom Blundell the designated wicketkeeper. Will Young has been picked for the Ireland Test only, while Daryl Mitchell is expected to be fit despite returning early from the Pakistan Super League with a calf issue.
Jacob Duffy was not considered for selection as he prepares for the birth of his first child, a decision backed by the team management. Michael Bracewell, meanwhile, made himself unavailable for Test cricket, opting to prioritise white-ball commitments and family time. Mitchell Santner continues his recovery from a shoulder injury in New Zealand and could be drafted in later depending on his progress.
Walter underlined the importance of the upcoming cycle, with the tour of Ireland and England marking the beginning of a run of 13 Tests in the current World Test Championship. New Zealand, who currently sit second on the WTC table, will host India in a two-Test series at the start of the next summer, followed by four Tests away to Australia in December-January, two Tests at home against Sri Lanka, and two Tests in Pakistan to finish.
"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 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."
A handful of players - including Henry, Foulkes, Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips - will join the squad after the IPL concludes later this month.
New Zealand begin their tour with a four-day Test against Ireland in Belfast from May 27, before heading to England for the Crowe-Thorpe series which has Test matches scheduled at Lord's, The Oval and Trent Bridge.
New Zealand Test Squad (Ireland & England): Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), 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 (IRE only & 16th travelling reserve for ENG), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only)
