Jamieson, O'Rourke return for Ireland and England Tests; Foxcroft earns maiden call-up
Synopsis
New Zealand's pace attack is whole again. With Jamieson and O'Rourke returning from injury layoffs and Foxcroft earning his maiden call-up, the Black Caps have assembled a potent bowling unit for a gruelling 13-match WTC run. The challenge: converting squad depth into series wins against England, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke recalled for Ireland and England Tests after injury absences.
Jamieson returns after back stress fracture in February 2024 ; O'Rourke sidelined since July 2024 with same injury.
Dean Foxcroft , aged 28 , earns maiden Test call-up following solid Plunket Shield season and Bangladesh white-ball performances.
Kane Williamson returns to squad with 9,461 career Test runs; last played in December against West Indies .
Jacob Duffy , reigning Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner, misses tour on paternity grounds.
New Zealand faces 13 WTC matches from June through March; currently sit second on WTC table.
New Zealand selectors have recalled pace spearheads Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke for a four-day Test against Ireland at Stormont, Belfast on 27-30 May and a three-Test series against England in June, bolstering the bowling unit ahead of a demanding 13-match ICC World Test Championship (WTC) run through March 2026. The recall marks Jamieson's first Test involvement since a back stress fracture in February 2024, while O'Rourke returns after missing the Zimbabwe tour last July with a similar injury.
The pace-bowling contingent
Jamieson, O'Rourke, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner have been named for both tours. Additionally, Michael Rae and uncapped Kristian Clarke are included for the Ireland Test only, while Ben Sears — who made his Test debut against Australia in 2024 with a match haul of 4-90 — will travel to England as the 16th travelling reserve.
Williamson's return and Foxcroft's maiden call-up
Kane Williamson has been included in the 19-strong extended squad as he prepares to add to his Test career tally of 9,461 runs, having last represented New Zealand during the West Indies series in December. Central Districts all-rounder Dean Foxcroft, aged 28, earned his maiden Test call-up after a solid Plunket Shield season and impressive recent performances on the Black Caps' white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
Point of View
Not form decline. Both bowlers missed extended periods but return to a pace attack already bolstered by O'Rourke's 39 wickets in 11 Tests since debut. The real story is Foxcroft—a 28-year-old domestic stalwart finally getting his chance, a reminder that Test cricket still rewards patience and consistency. Head coach Rob Walter's backing of all three suggests confidence in depth, not desperation. The next 13 matches will test whether that depth translates to silverware.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke being recalled now?
Both bowlers are returning from back stress fractures sustained in 2024. Jamieson has been sidelined since February 2024 and has returned via 19 T20Is and 10 ODIs since March 2025. O'Rourke was injured during the Zimbabwe tour in July 2024 and returned on the recent Bangladesh white-ball tour. Their recalls mark New Zealand's readiness to field a full-strength bowling attack for the Ireland and England Tests.
What is Dean Foxcroft's background and why has he earned a Test call-up?
Dean Foxcroft, aged 28, is a Central Districts batting all-rounder who earned his maiden Test call-up after a solid Plunket Shield season and impressive recent performances on New Zealand's white-ball tour of Bangladesh. He described the call-up as surreal and a dream come true.
When and where will New Zealand play Ireland and England?
The four-day Test against Ireland is scheduled for 27-30 May at Stormont, Belfast. The three-Test series against England begins on 4-8 June at Lord's, followed by 17-21 June at The Oval, and 25-29 June at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Why is Jacob Duffy missing these tours?
Jacob Duffy, the reigning Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner, is missing the tours on paternity grounds. New Zealand Cricket fully supports his decision as he and his wife await the birth of their first child.
What is the significance of these tours in New Zealand's Test calendar?
These tours begin a crucial 13-match ICC World Test Championship run from June through March 2026. New Zealand currently sits second on the WTC table and will face India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in addition to England, making this period pivotal for their World Test Championship campaign.
