England's batting lineup is about to face a serious examination. New Zealand have named a formidable pace attack for next month's Test series, with the returning duo of Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke ready to cause problems for Ben Stokes' side.
The towering Jamieson, standing at 6'8", hasn't featured in Test cricket since 2024 after battling back issues, but his record speaks for itself—80 wickets in just 19 Tests. Alongside him, the 24-year-old O'Rourke, another tall quick, returns from a back stress fracture that's kept him out since August. Together, they form a potent threat, especially against an England batting order that struggled during their recent 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand's batting mainstay, is also included after last playing for the Black Caps in December. The experienced batter opted for a casual contract to explore franchise opportunities but is now back in the Test fold—a timely boost for the visitors.
However, there are notable absentees. Spinner Mitchell Santner injured his shoulder during the Indian Premier League and misses out, though New Zealand remain hopeful he could feature later in the series. Seamer Jacob Duffy is also unavailable due to the birth of his first child, while spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell has requested a step back from Test cricket.
The Black Caps' pace arsenal doesn't stop there. Matt Henry brings his usual reliability, Blair Tickner—who claimed eight wickets in two ODIs against England last year—adds extra firepower, and Zak Foulkes, impressive with four wickets in his first match against England, rounds out a deep bowling unit. Ben Sears will tour as a travelling reserve after being named in the squad for the one-off Ireland Test.
New Zealand will warm up with a four-day match in Belfast starting 27 May before the three-Test series against England begins at Lord's on 4 June. For England, this series marks their first Test action since the Ashes disappointment, and with Jamieson and O'Rourke steaming in, their batters will need to be at their very best from ball one.
All-rounder Dean Foxcroft, who bowls off-spin, has earned his first call-up, adding depth to a squad captained by Tom Latham and featuring wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Glenn Phillips.