New Zealand named a fit-again Kane Williamson as captain of their enlarged squad for the Test series in England, where he will hope the triumphs of a year earlier can be repeated.
An elbow injury sidelined captain Williamson from both of his country’s recent home series draws against Bangladesh and South Africa.
The world-class batsman has not played for New Zealand since November but returned to the crease last week for his Indian Premier League side, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Williamson is relishing the chance to lead a 20-strong squad in England which features four players uncapped in the longest form.
The three-Test series falls a year after New Zealand beat the English on home soil for the first time in more than 20 years.
Immediately after last year’s series, the New Zealanders remained in England to beat India in the one-off inaugural Test World Championship final in Southampton.
