Kane Williamson returns for England ODIs; Tom Latham also available
What's the story
Kane Williamson has been included in the New Zealand squad for the three-match ODI series against England, starting October 26. He was missing from action due to a minor medical issue over the past month. The first match of the series will be played at Bay Oval, Williamson's home ground. This will be his first appearance for New Zealand since the Champions Trophy final earlier this year.
Injury recovery
Nathan Smith also makes a return
All-rounder Nathan Smith has also made a comeback into the New Zealand squad after recovering from an abdominal injury. He had sustained the injury during the first Test against Zimbabwe in August. Smith hasn't played any competitive cricket since then but has now declared himself fit and ready for the upcoming season.
Additional players
Latham back behind the stumps
Tom Latham will don the wicketkeeping gloves for the first time since the Champions Trophy final. He was ruled out of a two-match Test series in Zimbabwe with a shoulder injury. Canterbury seam-bowling all-rounder Zak Foulkes has also been included in the squad. He has played just two internationals so far but impressed with back-to-back fifties for New Zealand A in an unofficial ODI series last month.
Leadership role
Santner to lead the ODI team
Mitchell Santner will lead the ODI team. He has recovered from an abdominal injury and is currently playing in the T20I series against England. However, several players including Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O'Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin) and Ben Sears (hamstring) are unavailable due to injuries.
Team composition
New Zealand's ODI squad to face England
The New Zealand ODI squad comprises Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, and Kane Williamson. Williamson and Smith have both worked hard to overcome their respective injuries and illnesses. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed their return and expressed excitement about the upcoming series against England.