Dean Foxcroft hunts test debut as Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke return to Black Caps squad for Ireland, England tests

Thursday, 7 May 2026

Dean Foxcroft once wondered if he’d ever get back to New Zealand, let alone represent the country as a cricketer.

Now he’s close to completing a treble in playing for the Black Caps in all three formats, after being named in the squad for the upcoming tests against Ireland and England.

The middle-order bat and offspinner will begin the tour behind the likes of Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell for a start in the NZ XI, but showed recently in Bangladesh that a step-up to the highest level is well within his capabilities.

The squad features the return of pace bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke from their respective back stress fracture injuries, while Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy are notable absentees.

Bracewell is stepping back from test cricket to focus his time on his young family and limited-overs cricket, while reigning Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner Duffy will miss the tour - which begins with a four-day test at Stormont in Belfast from May 27-30 - as he and his wife await the birth of their first child.

Born in Pretoria, Foxcroft represented South Africa at the under-19 World Cup in 2016 before moving to Napier to play club cricket for Taradale.

He made his Central Districts debut in 2018/19 and was quickly recognised as a batter with huge potential, before shifting to Otago.

But when New Zealand closed its borders in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, Foxcroft was left stranded in South Africa, and was unable to get a visa extension to return to here, eventually missing two seasons.

“I was blown away,” Foxcroft said of his test squad call-up, after playing four ODIs and seven T20Is since 2023 for his adopted country.

“It’s quite surreal and a dream come true. From a young age you dream about playing test cricket or even just to be in a test squad - so I’m buzzing and I can’t wait.”

The absence of Bracewell and the injured Mitchell Santner, along with Glenn Phillips possibly being unavailable for the tour opener, could open an immediate door for the 28-year-old.

Jamieson’s most recent test came in February 2024, with the 31-year-old boasting an outstanding record of 80 wickets from 19 tests at an average of 19.

O’Rourke has claimed 39 wickets from 11 tests at an average of 24 since his debut against South Africa as Jamieson’s replacement, but a back stress fracture also sideline him on the test tour to Zimbabwe last July.

The duo will be joined by Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner for both tours, while Michael Rae and the uncapped Kristian Clarke have been included for the Ireland test only, along with Ben Sears, who will also head to England as the 16th travelling reserve.

“It’s a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go,” Black Caps coach Rob Walter said.

“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. Ben brings height and good pace, and I love his aggression and whole-hearted approach to his bowling.”

Kane Williamson has been named in the squad for all four tests, along with Henry Nicholls, while Will Young is in the Ireland test squad only.

Jamieson, Henry, Foulkes, Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips will join the squad once their respective stints in the Indian Premier League end, with the finals running from May 25-31.

White-ball captain Santner’s shoulder injury will continue to be rehabilitated and monitored from New Zealand with the option to include him later in the series depending on his recovery progress.

Coach Brendon McCullum’s England are expected to name their squad in the week of May 18, with the tests to be played at Lord’s (June 4-8), The Oval (June 17-21) and Trent Bridge (June 25-29) respectively.

The tests will be screened live on Sky, which announced on Wednesday it will be the New Zealand broadcaster of ECB home international and domestic cricket until 2030, covering men’s and women’s matches played in England and Wales.

New Zealand test squad to Ireland and England

Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), 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, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland test only, 16th travelling reserve for England), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland test only).

Test schedule

May 27-30: One-off test v Ireland at Stormont, Belfast

June 4-8: 1st test v England at Lord’s, London

June 17-21: 2nd test v England at The Oval, London

June 25-29: 3rd test v England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham