New Zealand reload pace attack for England and Ireland Tests

New Zealand have strengthened their fast-bowling stocks ahead of a crucial overseas Test stretch, recalling Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England in a squad packed with seam depth and returning experience.

The Blackcaps named a 19-member group for the one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast and the three-match England series in June, with the pace unit emerging as the central talking point of the selection.

Jamieson returns to the Test setup for the first time since suffering a back stress fracture in February 2024. Despite the lengthy absence, the tall quick still carries one of the most imposing records in modern Test cricket, with 80 wickets in 19 matches at an average of 19.

O’Rourke also returns after injury and has already established himself quickly at Test level, taking 39 wickets in 11 matches since debuting in 2024.

Blackcaps lean heavily into seam strength

The structure of the squad points clearly towards New Zealand preparing for seam-friendly conditions across Belfast and England.

Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner have all been selected for both tours, while Michael Rae and uncapped seamer Kristian Clarke will join the squad for the Ireland Test only.

Ben Sears has also been included for the Ireland fixture and will travel as reserve cover during the England leg.

The sheer volume of fast-bowling options stands out, particularly with New Zealand entering a fresh World Test Championship cycle where away performances could shape their campaign early.

Foxcroft rewarded after domestic rise

Among the fresh inclusions, Dean Foxcroft earned his maiden Test call-up after strong Plunket Shield performances and encouraging displays during New Zealand’s recent white-ball tour of Bangladesh.

The Central Districts batter described the opportunity as a “dream come true” and admitted he was “blown away” after receiving the news.

Kane Williamson has also been retained in the extended squad as he continues to build on his Test tally of 9,461 runs. The former captain last appeared in the format against West Indies in December.

Daryl Mitchell is expected to recover fully from a calf injury in time for the tour, while Tom Blundell has been named as the squad’s only specialist wicketkeeper, with captain Tom Latham serving as backup.

70213-1024x851 New Zealand reload pace attack for England and Ireland Tests

Notable absences shape the squad

The squad announcement also included several important availability updates.

Jacob Duffy will miss the tour as he and his wife await the birth of their first child, with New Zealand Cricket fully supporting the decision.

Michael Bracewell has stepped away from red-ball cricket commitments to prioritise family and white-ball cricket, although he remains part of New Zealand’s limited-overs plans.

Mitchell Santner continues to recover from a shoulder injury and could still become available later in the series depending on his rehabilitation progress.

Rob Walter eyes strong WTC start

Head coach Rob Walter believes the upcoming schedule presents a major challenge and opportunity for New Zealand in the new World Test Championship cycle.

“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,” Walter 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,” he added.

The return of Jamieson and O’Rourke significantly boosts New Zealand’s pace attack ahead of a demanding overseas schedule, while the inclusion of emerging names such as Foxcroft and Clarke highlights the selectors’ focus on strengthening long-term squad depth alongside immediate competitiveness.

BLACKCAPS Test squad

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland Test and travelling reserve for England), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland only) and Kristian Clarke (Ireland only).