New Zealand Announces ODI Squad for the Series Against West Indies, Kane Williamson Overlooked

Published on: Nov 7, 2025 6:08 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 7, 2025 6:08 pm IST

Kane Williamson
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The Blackcaps have named a 15-man squad for their upcoming 3-match home ODI series against West Indies. One of the major absentees from the squad is the former skipper Kane Williamson, who recently announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game, i.e., T20Is. The veteran batter has been rested in the ODIs to prepare for the 3 Tests against West Indies following the ODIs.

No Williamson, Matt Henry returns

Williamson’s unavailability is a blip, but the Blackcaps fans should be happy to see the return of senior pacer Matt Henry. The paceman, who missed the final two ODIs against England due to a calf strain, has been undergoing a “planned conditioning and rehabilitation block” to prepare for the ODI series, as well as the subsequent three-Test series in December. Take a look at the announced 14-man squad.

New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young

Key Takeaways

  • Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side.
  • Kane Williamson misses out as he is asked to prepare well for the upcoming 3 Tests following the ODI series, after recovering from a groin injury.
  • Matt Henry, along with fellow pacer Kyle Jamieson, has returned to the squad after missing the England ODI series due to injury.
  • Blair Tickner, who came into the squad as an injury replacement for Jamieson, keeps his place for this series as well after impressing in the series against England with 8 scalps from 2 games.
  • Besides Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, and Kyle Jamieson, the trio of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Nathan Smith are the other pacers in the squad.
  • The spin bowling duties will be shouldered by Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and skipper Mitchell Santner.
  • Several players remain unavailable due to injury, including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).
  • In the batting unit, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra remain the usual suspects, along with two all-round options in Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner.

Expected Perfect Playing XI

As the squad for the series is already announced, let’s take a look at what could be the perfect eleven for the hosts heading into the three ODIs. The first game is scheduled to take place on November 16 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

  1. Devon Conway
  2. Rachin Ravindra
  3. Will Young
  4. Daryl Mitchell
  5. Tom Latham (WK)
  6. Michael Bracewell
  7. Mitchell Santner (C)
  8. Nathan Smith/Blair Tickner
  9. Matt Henry
  10. Zakary Foulkes
  11. Jacob Duffy
  • The left-hand duo of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra will open the innings.
  • In Williamson’s absence, Will Young will bat at no. 3.
  • Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, along with the all-round duo of Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, will form the rest of the batting order.
  • Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes, and Jacob Duffy will be the sure-shot starters in the pace bowling unit.
  • One of Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner will start as the fourth seam bowling option.

Series Schedule and Venues

Check out the schedule for the three ODIs.

  • November 16 – Christchurch
  • November 19 – Napier
  • November 22 – Hamilton

These matches are part of a larger tour that includes five T20Is (prior to the ODIs) and three Tests (following the ODIs). All the matches will be played at 6:30 AM as per Indian Standard Time.

An ardent sports enthusiast who likes to write in such a manner so that the readers could relate themselves and feel the passion of the game.
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