New Zealand announce squad for England tour; Guptill Returns

New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill, who emerged as the highest run-getter in the 2015 World Cup, has been awarded a place in the Test side for England’s tour that commences next month. Seamer Matt Henry has also been named in the squad while uncapped all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been added to the ODI and T20 squad. 

Guptill, who played last of his 31 Tests during New Zealand’s tour of England in May 2013, failed to make an impact and was subsequently excluded from the Test side, including the series against West Indies, Pakistan and the home series against Sri Lanka. 

New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson said that he was happy with the squad and added that both Guptill and Henry would have a chance to stamp their authority during the two warm-up games ahead of the first Test at Lord’s on May 21. 

He said: 

“This is a stable, established Test side but there will be opportunities for contenders. Martin’s a classically styled batsman and there’s really no reason why he can’t be as influential in the longer game as he is in the short. 

“As for Matt, it’s another step up for him but we’ve been impressed by the maturity and skill-set he’s already shown in the ODI format.” 

Fast-bowler Adam Milne, who missed the semi-final and final of the World Cup due to a heel injury, has been picked for the limited-overs squad. 

New Zealand Test squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson

New Zealand ODI and T20 squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson

Tour Fixtures: 

21st May: 1st Test, Lord’s 

29th May: 2nd Test, Headingley 

9th June: 1st ODI, Edgbaston

12th June: 2nd ODI, Kennington Oval

14th June: 3rd ODI, The Rose Bowl 

17th June: 4th ODI, Trent Bridge

20th June: 5th ODI, Chester-le-Street 

23rd June: Only T20, Old Trafford