Williamson and Smith Rejoin England ODI Squad for Epic Comeback

Kane Williamson and Nathan Smith have been recalled to New Zealand’s 14-player squad for their upcoming ODI series against England. Both players, last seen in action during the Champions Trophy final against India in March, missed the start of the domestic season due to injuries. Williamson has been recuperating from a minor health issue over the past month, while Smith has fully recovered from an abdominal injury sustained during the second Test against Zimbabwe in August.

Mitchell Santner commands an experienced lineup, with Zak Foulkes, 23, being the freshest addition, not having participated in the Champions Trophy. Foulkes is set to join a well-established pace team, including Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, and Matt Henry, who were part of the T20I series against England. The squad’s all-rounders comprise Santner, Smith, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra.

Williamson’s return bolsters an already strong batting lineup featuring Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra, Will Young, and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham. Unfortunately, several players are sidelined due to injuries, including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).

New Zealand ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

New Zealand coach Rob Walter expressed his delight over Williamson and Smith’s return, noting that both have worked diligently to recover from their respective setbacks. He highlighted Williamson’s invaluable experience and leadership, while acknowledging Smith’s promising all-round abilities.

This series marks Walter’s debut assignment with the ODI squad and he views it as a stepping stone towards the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. He is optimistic about building on the team’s long-standing success, as reflected in their current number two ICC ranking, and is eager to face a strong England team in this series.

The New Zealand squad will gather in Tauranga two days before the first ODI on October 26. The second match will take place in Hamilton on October 29, culminating in Wellington with the final ODI on November 1.

© Cricbuzz

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