Michael Bracewell, a batting all-rounder, has been called up to New Zealand’s Test team for their upcoming three-Test tour of England.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson, who hasn’t played a Test since November last year owing to an elbow tendon injury, is back in the squad.
Bracewell scored 725 and 190 runs in the first-class seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively.
Bracewell, who also bowls off-spin, has already represented his country in three One-Day Internationals.
Cam Fletcher, a wicketkeeper-batter, and fast bowler Blair Tickner have also been added to the squad.
Earlier this year, the pair was named to the Test squad for the series against South Africa.
In the 2021-22 Plunket Shield, Fletcher, who has been on the domestic circuit since 2013, averaged just over 40.
Behind Tom Blundell, he will be the second wicket-keeper. Tickner, on the other hand, has appeared in ten limited overs games for New Zealand.
Hamish Rutherford has also been selected, having scored a century in his Test debut against England in Dunedin in 2013.
In 2021-22, he was the third-highest run scorer in New Zealand’s first-class competition.
Jacob Duffy, an Otago pace bowler, has also been included in the team.
The 27-year-old has played four Twenty20 Internationals for New Zealand. The main spinner will be Ajaz Patel. Another spin possibility is all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
“It’ll be a busy winter, but one we’re looking forward to as a group,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.
“We’ve seen the need for flexibility with squads, schedules, and staffing in recent years, and this winter will be no different.”
“The red ball tour of England, which begins in a few weeks, is certainly at the top of our priority list, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
“Touring England is always a memorable experience, with the people, the scenery, and the history all contributing to a memorable trip. The English are usually challenging in their own backyard and have a plethora of excellent players at their disposal,” he added.
“There’s a reason we’ve only ever won a couple of Test series out there, and we know it’ll take everything we’ve got to achieve it again.”
“Michael and Cam, who will be traveling with the Blackcaps for the first time, are particularly excited.”
“They had a taste of the environment this summer, and I’m sure they’ll be excited about the chance to tour with the side and all the added perks that comes with it.”
Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, and Devon Conway, all of whom are currently playing in the IPL, will most likely miss the warm-up matches in Hove and Chelmsford on May 20 and 26, respectively.
Following that, the roster will be reduced to 15 men for the first Test at Lord’s. Will Young and Colin de Grandhomme are both playing County cricket in England at the moment.
In the midst of a hectic season ahead of them, Stead said the New Zealand think tank will prioritize the players’ homework.
“If everything goes according to plan, we’ll have everyone fit and ready for the first Test at Lord’s, and we’ll announce our final squad of 15 for that series once our warm-up games are completed. Last season, I thought we did an excellent job of juggling our resources to ensure that our people’s wellbeing was prioritized, and we’ll be trying to do the same with white ball cricket in July and August.”
“As we balance responsibilities, no players or staff will stay with the team for the whole 14-week period while we’re abroad. We’ll continue to prioritize as much planning and preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, which is only six months away,” he made a point.
The first Test between New Zealand and England will be held at Lord’s on June 2.
The second and third Tests will be held on June 10 and 23, respectively, at Trent Bridge and Headingley.
