Perhaps the trick to winning a Test series in India is to switch captains and make it a left-handed opener. It certainly worked for New Zealand, Tom Latham stepping up and leading a 3-0 slice of history three weeks ago – a first since Alastair Cook, a new full-time skipper at the time, led England to a 2-1 win in 2012.
Either way, that seismic result now sees Latham and his Black Caps side enter this three-match home series against England in a buoyant mood and still with a chance to make next year’s World Test Championship final. Ben Stokes called the competition “a bit confusing” on Wednesday but was in no doubt about the feat his hosts recently achieved, describing it as “massive for world cricket.”
A green surface at Hagley Oval – scene of the first Test that starts on Thursday morning (Wednesday 10pm GMT ) – means New Zealand have dispensed with spinners Ajaz Patel and Mitch Santner. No surprises there, perhaps. But Will Young, player of the series on that tour of India, is now confirmed to miss out with the great Kane Williamson fit again after his groin injury.
“It’s nothing on what Youngy’s done, because he’s been fantastic over the last period of time,” said Latham, confirming the change and a debut for Wellington’s bowling all-rounder, Nathan Smith. “[But] having someone like Kane come back boosts your side with the calibre of player that he is.
“He’s a great team man, he’s certainly done nothing wrong. It was a tough decision to make but I guess when you’re in those positions it means your team is in a good spot. I’m gutted for Youngy but excited for Kane.”
Even after Williamson turned down a central contract in June – a lucrative deal to play in South Africa’s SA20 in the new year clashes with a white-ball series at home – the recall is understandable. In fact, the 34-year-old’s 32 Test centuries and a home average of 66.85 made it a no-brainer, while Latham clearly still leans on his former captain’s wisdom and ice-cool vibe.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is Smith, who steps up for his first cap in a four-pronged seam attack. Matt Henry and Tim Southee lead it – the latter about to start his final series – with Will O’Rourke, who averages 19 with the ball from his first seven Tests, offering right-arm thud from a 6ft 4in frame.
Smith, 26, is not an unknown quantity to English cricket after an impressive county season at Worcestershire. His 27 wickets at 21 from just seven matches – including England’s Ben Duckett, twice – was a huge factor in the newly-promoted Pears avoiding the drop comfortably. So much so in fact that, while yet to be officially announced by the club, champions Surrey are understood to have got the chequebook out and secured his services for next summer’s title defence.
“He’s someone who has produced results over a period of time for Wellington and been domestic player of the year for a couple of seasons in a row,” Latham said. “It’s great to have someone like that who has earned his spot and he certainly deserves to be in this XI. We’re looking forward to getting in behind him tomorrow.”
New Zealand are similarly au fait with England – this their third visit in the last five years – and the all-out aggression they have been wedded to under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Latham stressed the need for his side to adapt to it accordingly and also mentally park the triumph in India.
Making the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June – a second appearance, after lifting the mace in 2021 – may well require a second successive 3-0 sweep for the Black Caps, plus results to go their way elsewhere. A tall order, perhaps, but then no one was expecting the result that has kept it possible.
New Zealand XI: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke
