Nathan Smith set for Test debut in Christchurch against England

New Zealand put their historic 3-0 series win in India behind them Wednesday as they selected pace bowler Nathan Smith to make his debut against England in the first Test.

The 26-year-old Smith will start his Test career on the seam-friendly Hagley Oval pitch in Christchurch, far removed from the Indian playing surfaces where spin dominated. New Zealand captain Tom Latham confirmed that a fit-again Kane Williamson would return for the Test beginning Thursday, meaning there was no room in the batting line-up for Will Young, who was the player-of-the-series in India.

Latham described the India series as "an amazing couple of weeks" but added, "that's in the past".

The captain said his side had confidence after inflicting India's first home Test series defeat since 2012 and winning for the first time on the subcontinent.

"The way we played, the approach that we tried to take into that series in conditions that were tough, knowing that we can do it all around the world, builds confidence," Latham said.

New Zealand should not lack confidence at Hagley Oval, where they have won nine and drawn one of the 13 Tests played on a traditionally green wicket. With long-serving seamers Trent Boult and Neil Wagner having retired and Tim Southee struggling for form, 32-year-old Matt Henry has emerged to spearhead the pace attack.

Latham said rookie Smith would complement the seam trio of Henry, Southee and Will O'Rourke.

"He moves the ball both ways in the air and hits the wicket reasonably hard ... and he can bat a bit as a bowling all-rounder which certainly helps the balance of the side."

The first of the three-match Test series kicks off on November 28 (Thursday) at The Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

New Zealand's XI: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O'Rourke

(With inputs from AFP)

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