No Mitchell Santner as New Zealand announce squads for Tests against Ireland and England

New Zealand have announced their squads for their one-off Test against Ireland and the three-match red-ball series against England, with pacers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke marking their returns after injury layoffs.

The 19-member touring party doesn’t feature New Zealand’s white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner. Santner has returned home after his IPL 2026 stint for Mumbai Indians (MI) was cut short due to an injury to his bowling shoulder. He met a specialist and was advised rest and rehab for at least one month. New Zealand may add him to the original squad if he regains full fitness in time.

Veteran batter Kane Williamson, who is currently with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 as their strategic advisor, has also been named in the squad. He needs 539 more runs to become the first Kiwi to 10000 Test runs. New Zealand will be deprived of the services of right-arm pacer Jacob Duffy, who will remain in New Zealand. Duffy and his wife are expecting their first baby soon.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter bolstered by the returns of Jamieson and O’Rourke

Right-arm pacers Jamieson and O’Rourke have returned to the squad. Jamieson suffered a back stress fracture in 2024. His last red-ball appearance came against the Proteas in Mount Maunganui in February 2024. Meanwhile, O’Rourke recently represented New Zealand in a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

Also read: Mark Wood eyes international return

New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter expressed his excitement over the return of the two fast bowlers to the Test set-up.

“It’s a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go,” Walter said in a press release issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). “Kyle’s been on a journey of getting his body ready for Test cricket. He’s really fit and strong at the moment and will bring a unique edge to our bowling line-up.

“Will brings a quality set of skills and physical attributes which make him a hugely exciting addition to any Test team.”

New Zealand’s squad for Tests against Ireland and England:

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Kristian Clarke (Ireland Test only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland Test only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland Test and travelling reserve for England Tests), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland Test only)

Ireland vs New Zealand

England vs New Zealand