Kane Williamson missing from Black Caps T20 squad to meet England
Monday, 13 October 2025
Kane Williamson won’t feature for the Black Caps in their latest series ahead of next year’s World Cup.
The former New Zealand captain hasn’t been included in the squad for the three-game series against England, starting in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Instead, Williamson is aiming to be part of the NZ squad for the following three ODIs against the visitors, before they head across the Tasman to contest the Ashes.
“Kane had to overcome a minor medical issue in the past month, and we both agreed he needs some more time to get himself physically ready to return,” Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said.
“He’s obviously a world class player and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by the West Indies.
Williamson's most recent T20I appearance was last year’s World Cup flop for the Black Caps.
The 14-strong squad named on Monday morning to face Australia includes white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, who is back after missing the 2-0 series defeat by Australia while recovering from abdominal surgery.
Rachin Ravindra also returns after being a late injury withdrawal from the series against Australia after suffering a facial injury in training.
However, Wellington Firebirds fast-bowler Ben Sears will miss the England series, after he suffered a left-hamstring injury during training last week, with a subsequent MRI scan revealing a hamstring tear which will require three to four weeks to recover.
Jimmy Neesham, who impressed against Australia when he was called in as a late replacement for Ravindra, has been selected as the seam-bowling all-rounder, alongside the same pace-bowling group of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson.
Michael Bracewell joins Santner in the spin department, meaning there’s no room for legspinner Ish Sodhi.
“It’s great to have Mitch back,” Walter said.
“Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the very best white-ball spinners in the world and his skills and experience will be a welcome addition.
“Likewise, it’s nice to welcome back Rachin who was unlucky to miss out on Australia and I know is really excited for this series.
Opener Finn Allen, allrounder Glenn Phillips and pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Will O’Rourke remain unavailable due to injury.
After a tri-series in Zimbabwe against the hosts and South Africa which produced a perfect 5-0 record and the accompanying silverware, New Zealand went down 2-0 to a Mitch Marsh-inspired Australia in Mt Maunganui at the start of the month.
The England white-ball squad captained by Harry Brook arrived in Auckland on Sunday.
Walter said the series was another important step for the T20 team ahead of the World Cup.
“Fresh from taking on Australia it’s great to have another world class team arrive on our shores.
“We know what an exciting brand of cricket Harry Brook and his T20 boys play and I’m sure our guys are looking forward to meeting that challenge head on.”
Black Caps T20 squad vs England
Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
Schedule
Game one, Saturday 18 October, 7:15pm, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Game two, Monday 20 October, 7:15pm, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Game three, Thursday 23 October, 7:15pm, Eden Park, Auckland