New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson’s long wait for red-ball debut continues after he was ignored for the first Test against England, starting at Mount Maunganui on Thursday (November 21).
On the other hand, opening batsman Dom Sibley is set to make his England debut as the visitors decided to go with the same side that played a three-day warm up game against New Zealand ‘A’ in Whangarei.
Top order batsman Joe Denly has also been named in the playing XI after he featured in the practice match to prove his fitness following an ankle injury that ruled him out of the T20I series, which England won 3-2.
As expected, England also included Jofra Archer but the home team’s decision to overlook Ferguson has meant that fans will miss out on seeing a face-off between two express pacers.
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Addressing the press conference on the eve of the series opener, Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson said they have decided to stick with Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner as pacers.
Ferguson has been released to play for Auckland and will join the national side ahead of the second Test in Hamilton, slated to start on November 29.
“You always consider those options and, as we know, he [Ferguson] is an extremely exciting talent but he’ll be released to go and play a bit more cricket then join back up with us in Hamilton,” Williamson said.
“The three we’ve gone with are guys that have been in the group for a long period of time and performed really well for us.”
Speaking to the media, England captain Joe Root said he was looking forward to Archer playing his first overseas Test after he proved his mettle in five-day cricket during the Ashes.
“He makes it look ridiculously easy with his action and the way he approaches the crease,” Root told reporters.
“But to be able to bowl at that pace for a period of time is a skill in itself, and he needs to understand that.
“One thing I have learned is that he has a huge hunger for wickets. He wants to be in the game, and once you get the ball in his hand, it can be very hard to get it off him.
“It’s a great trait.”
(Inputs from Reuters)
