New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Thursday (December 15) named their men’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting December 26 in Karachi.

Both matches will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Also, this Test series will be the first assignment for Tim Southee as skipper of the team as Kane Williamson stepped down from the role.

The fast bowler has got a massive challenge as he is set to lead a new-look squad of Black Caps, that does not feature their star Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson. While Boult wasn’t available for the series, Jamieson is suffering from a back injury.

In another major development, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has returned to the squad after four years after his last international Test match. Glenn Phillips has also been added to the squad.

Meanwhile, uncapped pacer Blair Tickner has been retained in the 15-member squad, while former captain Kane Williamson will play as a pure batter in the series. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead opened up on their upcoming tour of Pakistan, stating:

“We’ve naturally been keeping an eye on the current Test series against England, particularly the last two Tests of the series held in Multan and Karachi, where we will play.”

“This series will be the first for Tim Southee as Test captain and together we’re both looking forward to getting into our work for the tour.”

The first Test match of the series is set to get underway in Karachi on December 26, while the second and final Test is scheduled to be played in Multan from January 3, 2023.

New Zealand Test Squad for Pakistan Series:

Tim Southee (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.