Auckland, Nov 24 (NationPress) Kane Williamson has been invited back to New Zealand's Test lineup for the first encounter against the West Indies. He joins a squad of 14 players that includes fast bowlers Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, and Blair Tickner.

Daryl Mitchell has been cleared to play after recovering from a slight groin strain sustained during the initial ODI against the same team.

Williamson had previously opted out of the Test series against Zimbabwe in July and has not participated in a Test match for New Zealand since December of the previous year. In preparation for his return, he is expected to play for Northern Districts in the upcoming second round of the Plunkett Shield.

Both Duffy and Foulkes made their debuts in the Zimbabwe series, with Foulkes making headlines for his remarkable match figures of 9 for 75, the best by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut. Tickner is also back in the Test squad after last playing in March 2023.

Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not selected for the first Test as they continue to work on their match fitness as part of a controlled red-ball return-to-play strategy.

Injuries have ruled out Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back), and Ben Sears (hamstring) from the selection.

New Zealand's head coach Rob Walter expressed enthusiasm about Williamson's return to an already high-performing Test team.

“Kane’s on-field capabilities are well-known, and his leadership will be a significant asset for the Test squad,” he remarked.

“He has taken some time off to prepare for red-ball cricket, and I am aware he is eager to play for Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield before the first Test.”

Walter also praised Zak Foulkes’ performance after his debut in Zimbabwe.

“Zak had an outstanding first Test against Zimbabwe, and coupled with his recent white-ball form, he rightfully secured his selection.”

Walter highlighted the experience of Duffy and Tickner, stating, “Both Jacob and Blair have been around the game long enough to understand what it takes to excel at this level. They have done well in their white-ball duties so far this summer, and we trust them to perform in the Test arena when needed.”

The first Test is set to commence on December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The second Test will take place at Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 10, followed by the third and final Test starting on December 18 at Bay Oval in Tauranga.

Squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.