New Zealand Cricket has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, marking the much-awaited return of the captain. kane williamson And talented all-rounder Nathan Smith. His inclusion strengthens the Blackcaps’ lineup as they prepare for a challenging series starting later this month.
Williamson, who missed the ongoing T20 series due to a minor medical concern, is set to add strength to the batting. Head coach Rob Walter expressed his excitement over his return and emphasized Williamson’s impact on and off the field. “We all know what Kane means to New Zealand – it’s fantastic to have his skills, experience and leadership back in the group,” Walter noted.
The return of Nathan Smith has increased the balance in New Zealand’s ODI team.
All-rounder Nathan Smith has also made a welcome return after recovering from an abdominal injury sustained during the second Test against Zimbabwe in August. His versatility with bat and ball provides New Zealand with greater flexibility in team selection. Smith’s return has further deepened the Blackcaps’ pool of all-round options, a vital element in modern ODI cricket.
The team has retained a strong batting base with Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra and Will Young. Matt Henry on the bowling front, kyle jamison And Jacob Duffy leads the pace attack, while Jack Foulkes is the only player without prior Champions Trophy experience. His selection reflects New Zealand’s commitment to developing future talent.
Coach Walter highlighted the overarching goal behind this series, noting: “This is the start of our journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa in 2027 and I know the group is excited to go into this series against a quality England team.” The Blackcaps currently hold the No. 2 ranking in ODIs and will be aiming to consolidate their position with a strong performance against the formidable English team.
Players who are out due to injuries
The series will begin in Tauranga on October 26, followed by matches in Hamilton on October 29 and Wellington on November 1. Several key players – including Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) and Glenn Phillips (groin) – are out with injuries, giving other members of the squad a chance to step up.
New Zealand’s ODI team for England series
Mitchell Santner (captain), Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.