Here's why Kane Williamson is not part of New Zealand's squad for Zimbabwe Tests

AUCKLAND: New Zealand have named a 15-member squad, excluding ace batter Kane Williamson, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, slated to commence from July 30 in Bulawayo.

The squad, which is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), features some new faces alongside the return of several experienced players.

Among the notable absentees from the squad are Black Caps stalwart Williamson and off-spinner Michael Bracewell.

Kane Williamson is unavailable for the series due to his county commitments. Following his stint with Middlesex, the batting maestro will feature in the Hundred, representing the London Spirit.

Meanwhile, Bracewell, who is currently featuring in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, will also feature in the Hundred. The off-spinner is picked by Southern Brave for £200,000 according to a statement given by New Zealand Cricket board.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter shed light on both players’ absence from the squad, noting that he respects the duo’s decision.

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Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” Walter said.

He added, stating that, “While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact that these Tests aren’t part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.”

The new-look pace attack of New Zealand will be spearheaded by Matt Henry, while Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, and Matthew Fisher will provide ample support with raw pace.

The 25-year-old Fisher has been added to the New Zealand squad for the first time, as Kyle Jamieson, who is awaiting the birth of his first child, is unavailable. Apart from Jamieson, Ben Sears is also not available due to an injury.

Henry Nicholls has returned to the Test squad after two years on the back of excellent domestic form, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is also in the squad after returning from an injury.

New Zealand Test squad

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

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