New Zealand’s star batter, Kane Williamson, has been named in the Test squad for the upcoming home series against England after recovering from a groin injury. Williamson, New Zealand's all-time highest Test run-scorer with 8,881 runs in 102 matches, missed the recent tour of India but is now fit to return.

Williamson’s injury, sustained in September during the series against Sri Lanka, kept him out of action, including New Zealand’s historic 3-0 whitewash of India. His return means Mark Chapman makes way in the squad.

Furthermore New Zealand will be without fast bowlers Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson, both recovering from injuries. The squad also excludes spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi, as New Zealand's home pitches tend to favor seam bowlers.

New Zealand selector Sam Wells expressed excitement for the series against England, highlighting its importance for the World Test Championship and as a farewell for Tim Southee, who is set to retire after a stellar career.

“It’s obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further,” he said.

“Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps.

“I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series."

The New Zealand squad includes Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.

Series schedule:

First Test: November 28 - December 2, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Second Test: December 6-10, Basin Reserve, Wellington

Third Test: December 14-18, Seddon Park, Hamilton