When they confront their toughest obstacle of the summer, the Black Caps will be able to use one of their biggest weapons. For the first time since last June, paceman Kyle Jamieson has been selected for a New Zealand team. He was chosen to make his comeback from injury in this month's highly anticipated two-test series against England. Jamieson's selection could not have come at a better moment with Brendon McCullum's tourists visiting after winning nine of the ten tests since the Kiwi was named coach. Six tests have passed without a Black Caps victory, and as coach Gary Stead said last month, Trent Boult, who is not under contract, won't be available. Due to the veteran's absence, his former comrades may have to fight to avoid being the newest casualties of England's when the series starts on February 16 with a day-night test at Bay Oval. newfound aggression But with a pink ball in hand, Jamieson will provide the home team's assault the element of potency needed to beat Ben Stokes' high-flying squad if he can get healthy again and reclaim his form. Since making his test cricket debut three years ago, Jamieson has amassed an impressive record, taking 72 wickets in 16 games for an average of 19.45. In more favourable circumstances at home, where he has taken 50 wickets at 17.6, his added speed and bounce have proven particularly dangerous, and he should be especially successful in bowler-friendly lighting conditions.If he has the opportunity to mark his runup, that is.
Since being forced to withdraw from the England tour last year due to a back ailment and just now making a comeback to domestic cricket, Jamieson has had few opportunities to do so. After spending the preceding months participating in a specialised recuperation programme, the 2.03-meter fast has taken four wickets in three short-form matches for Auckland. Stead credited Jamieson's commitment for earning his return. Since his comeback to professional cricket with Auckland, Kyle has "reported good development," according to the coach. He has a tremendous ambition to play international cricket and is a highly motivated person.He has been very clear that he wants to get his body in shape to return ever since he was forced off the field in Nottingham.The 28-year-old will have one more chance to finish that procedure as he is expected to be a member of the New Zealand XI team that will play England in a warm-up game at Seddon Park the following week.He will then join the Black Caps when they convene in Tauranga the following weekend, if there are no setbacks. The remainder of the 14-man roster includes a few surprises.
Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips were both left out of the 15-person squad that was drawn for a two-test series in Pakistan earlier this summer; Jamieson is the sole addition.Ish Sodhi, a legspinner who concluded the Pakistan series as the series' top wicket-taker with 13 kills while also contributing significant runs down the order, will be seeking to play his first home test match since 2018. With his approach with bat and ball, Ish "really pleased us," according to Stead. It was wonderful to witness his recent hard work on both at the international test stage. Sodhi will have to compete to make the starting XI, even if the circumstances at home are anticipated to be favourable for spinners. If New Zealand choose to play a tweaker, Michael Bracewell's strong batting will probably earn the offspinner a berth. Alternatively, the recently ousted opener Will Young may bat as a backup along with a tweaker.a four-person tempo assault. With the wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and seamer Matt Henry both making good progress in their recoveries from injuries sustained in Pakistan, the Black Caps are hopeful that Matt Henry will be well enough to strengthen that quartet.
Test lineup for New Zealand's contest with England: Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young are the players on the field for Tim Southee (captain).