Williamson, Smith return for England ODIs

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Kane Williamson last played for New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy © Getty

Kane Williamson and Nathan Smith have been included in New Zealand's 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The two players last featured in the Champions Trophy final against India in March, but were unavailable for the start of the home summer due to injury layoffs.

Williamson has spent the past month recovering from a minor medical issue, while Smith has returned to full fitness after an abdominal injury sustained during the second Test against Zimbabwe in August.

Mitchell Santner continues to lead a largely experienced group, with 23-year-old Zak Foulkes the only player who wasn't part of the Champions Trophy campaign. Foulkes joins Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry in a familiar pace unit that also featured during the T20Is against England. The all-round options include Santner, Smith, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra.

Meanwhile, Williamson's presence adds further solidity to a batting core that features Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra, Will Young, and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham.

Several other players were unavailable due to injury concerns - 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

Speaking about the return of Williamson and Smith, New Zealand coach Rob Walter said: "Kane and Nathan have had to work hard to overcome their respective injuries and illness. We all know what Kane means to New Zealand - to have his skill, experience and leadership back in the group is fantastic. Nathan's still relatively new to his international career, but he's impressed with his all-round skills and ability in the field."

This will be Walter's first assignment with the ODI squad and Walter said he is looking forward to it, calling it the start of their journey for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.

"The ODI side has been very successful for a long period of time, as the current ICC ranking of number two suggests. We have an experienced core of players and as a team are very clear on how we want to play," he said. "This is very much the start of our journey to the ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa in 2027 and I know the group are excited to get going in this series against a quality England side."

The New Zealand one-day squad will assemble in Tauranga two days ahead of their opening match on October 26. The second ODI will be played in Hamilton on October 29 and the series will conclude in Wellington with the final ODI on November 1.

© Cricbuzz

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