New Zealand have announced a powerful Test squad for their upcoming tours of Ireland and England, with a number of experienced stars making their return as New Zealand begin a crucial phase of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The squad witnesses the return of former captain Kane Williamson alongside fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke. Williamson last played Test cricket against West Indies in December 2025 and had earlier stated that he would assess his international future on a “series-by-series” basis.
Tom Latham will continue to captain the side, and it will be head coach Rob Walter's first major red-ball assignment. Walter described the upcoming tours as an important opportunity for New Zealand to test themselves against big teams.
"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,” Rob 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.”
New Zealand have packed their squad with fast-bowling depth, including Matt Henry, Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner. Michael Rae and uncapped seamer Kristian Clarke have been selected for the Ireland Test only, while Sears will travel as reserve cover during the England series. Meanwhile, New Zealand will first face Ireland in a one-off Test in Belfast starting on May 27 before travelling to England for a three-match Test series beginning June 4.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Kristian Clarke (IRE only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (IRE only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only)