Daryl Mitchell set to be fit for Australia Tests; Boult overlooked

After recovering from his foot injury, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is set to be fit in time for the two-match Test series against Australia. However, the all-rounder will not be part of the three-match T20I series that precedes the red-ball clashes, with his foot still needing time to heal completely. 

On the other hand, two of New Zealand’s all-time greats, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, are set to make their 100th appearance together in the second Test at the Hagley Oval. They will be the fifth and sixth player to reach the 100-Test club, with Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor being the others. 

"To play 100 Tests for your country is an incredible achievement. It takes a huge amount of longevity and skill, and to keep improving and to manage the demands of Test cricket over a long period of time is a testament to their character,” New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead said. 

“Tim and Kane continue to be brilliant servants of the game in New Zealand and influential figures in the BLACKCAPS environment. Their achievements at Test level speak for themselves and they are undoubtedly two of the greatest players to have ever worn the New Zealand Test shirt."

While Trent Boult wasn’t considered for selection, all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn has sealed himself a place in the squad after his performances for New Zealand A, with a nine-wicket haul and a 101* against Australia A last year. 

"Scott performed admirably with both bat and ball on the recent New Zealand A tour to Australia. He will bring genuine pace with the ball and adds extra depth with the bat which is always valuable at Test level,” selector Sam Wells said. 

The first of the two Tests will begin on February 29 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with the two clashing for the first time in red-ball format in New Zealand since 2016. 

New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.