Williamson Continues Pursuit Of Historic Test Milestone

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will continue his quest to reach 10,000 Test runs after being included in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England in May and June.

The Black Caps announced a 19-member squad on Thursday for a one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast beginning May 27, followed by a three-match Test series against England starting June 4.

Williamson, who has scored 9,461 runs at an average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches, had hinted late last year that retirement discussions had crossed his mind. However, the 35-year-old has now committed to New Zealand’s next four Tests, with additional series against India and Australia later this year also on the schedule.

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One of the biggest surprises in the squad announcement was the exclusion of Will Young from the England leg of the tour. Young, long considered the reserve batter in New Zealand’s Test setup, produced four scores above fifty in his last nine innings, including a gritty 74 against Zimbabwe on a difficult pitch facing fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani.

Instead, selectors opted for Henry Nicholls, who recently marked his return to international cricket with an unbeaten 150 after spending 18 months out of the national side. Young will remain with the squad for the Ireland Test before returning home.

Head coach Rob Walter also included two uncapped players in the touring party — seamer Kristian Clarke and spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft — as New Zealand prepares for another World Test Championship campaign.

Walter said the squad was eager to challenge some of the world’s top Test sides and looked forward to the opportunity presented by the new championship cycle.

The team has also been strengthened by the return of pace bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke. Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy will miss the tour as he awaits the birth of his child.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell has announced he will step away from Test cricket to focus entirely on limited-overs formats.