Kyle Jamieson named in New Zealand Test squad to face England

Ish Sodhi has also been included after impressing in Pakistan but Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips miss out

Kyle Jamieson is on track to make his return to the international stage after being named in New Zealand's 14-strong squad for their upcoming Test series against England.

The 28-year-old quick hasn't featured for the Black Caps since last June when he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back following the second Test against England at Trent Bridge.

Since making his Test debut in February 2020, Jamieson has taken 72 wickets at 19.45.

Ish Sodhi has also been included in the Test squad after impressing on New Zealand's recent tour of Pakistan. The spinner, who had been absent from the red-ball side since November 2018, picked up 13 wickets and scored a half-century during the two-match series.

Tom Blundell and Matt Henry, who picked up injuries in Pakistan are expected to be fit but there is no room for Ajaz Patel or Glenn Phillips.

^{Ish Sodhi has been retained in the squad after impressing in Pakistan [Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images]}

^{Tim Southee will captain New Zealand [Asif Hassan/Getty Images]}

There will also be a change in coaching personnel, with Auckland Aces head coach, Doug Watson, working with the squad as batting coach during the first Test while Luke Ronchi takes a break.

"Kyle is a very determined character with a strong desire to play international cricket for New Zealand," said head coach, Gary Stead. "Since he was forced from the field in Nottingham he's been very clear that he wants to get his body right to return.

"He's reported good progress since his return to professional cricket with Auckland and he will get the opportunity to play some long form cricket as part of the New Zealand XI squad to face England in their warm-up match next week at Seddon Park.

"Ish really impressed us with his approach with bat and ball. He's worked very hard on both in recent years and it was great to see that on the international Test stage."

New Zealand and England are scheduled to play two Tests, with the first taking place at Tauranga's Bay Oval (February 16-20) before the series moves to Wellington for the second Test (February 24-28).

Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

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