Lockie Ferguson set for Test debut against England

[Ulquiorra]

 

Lockie Ferguson claimed 4 for 23 in the recent Plunkett Shield game vs the Wellington Firebirds © Getty

In-form fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will be in contention for a Test debut against England after being named in the 15-man squad for the two-Test series starting from November 21. The squad will be skippered by the returning Kane Williamson, who has recovered from a hip injury that ruled him out of the T20Is.

The squad sees Todd Astle pip Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville for the second spinners' role alongside Mitchell Santner.

Squad:Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk)
Ferguson has played 42 first-class games and has 153 wickets at an average of 24.30. Incidentally, the fast-bowler was added to the Test squad in November 2017 for the series against West Indies but didn't play a game. The following year, he was rewarded with a NZC Central Contract after continuing to create waves in the white-ball formats of the game.

"There's no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we're delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold," said selector Gavin Larsen.

"It's well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability. He showed good form against England in the recent T20 series and backed that up with a solid outing for the Auckland Aces in the Plunket Shield, where he claimed 4 for 23 against the Wellington Firebirds.

"Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture and will create some great competition."

The first Test will be played in Mount Maunganui before the action moves to Hamilton for the second Test. England have played five Tests so far in ICC World Test Championship and are fifth with 56 points. New Zealand, after playing two Tests in Sri Lanka, have 60 points and are second on the table behind India.