The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will start between the teams of India and Australia from November 22 in Perth. Another big series will start only after the end of this test match. The interesting thing is that this series will be played in Australia’s neighboring country New Zealand. The England team will be on a tour of New Zealand at that time and the first Test match will be played between the two teams from 28th November. In such a situation, host New Zealand has announced this 3-match test series. Former captain Kane Williamson has returned to the New Zealand Test team.
Kane has recovered from the back injury that kept him out of New Zealand’s tour of India, but has now joined the team for the match against England. At the same time, all-rounder Nathan Smith has been included in the Test team for the first time. Uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy is also part of the squad, while Bear Sears and Kyle Jamieson are out due to injury. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in Pune, has been included in the squad for the second and third Tests to be played in Wellington and Hamilton. The first Test will be held in Christchurch from 28 November.
Entry of new face in the team
26-year-old Smith made his international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka earlier this week. In last season’s Plunket Shield, he was the leading wicket-taker with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18. After this brilliant performance, he was given the central contract in September. Ajaz Patel, who took 15 wickets against India, has not been included in the team, which means that his record of taking all 85 Test wickets away from home will remain intact for now. This test series of 3 matches will be the last test series of Tim Southee. After this he will say goodbye to Test cricket. However, he will be available for selection once New Zealand reaches the WTC final.
New Zealand vs England Test Series Full Schedule (NZ vs ENG Test Series Full Schedule)
- 1st Test: Christchurch (28 November to 2 December)
- Second Test: Wellington (6 to 10 December)
- Third Test: Hamilton (14 to 18 December)
New Zealand team for Test series against England: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (Test 2 & 3), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.