New Zealand seamer Lockie Ferguson earns maiden call-up for England Test series

Captain Kane Williamson is meanwhile set to be fit in time for the first Test starting on November 20 having been nursing a hip injury

Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand quick, has earned a maiden call-up for the Tests against England and Australia.

The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight T20s for the Black Caps but is braced for a maiden outing in the five-day format after being included in the 15-man squad for both series.

New Zealand face England in two Tests starting on November 21 in Mount Maunganui before a three-match series in the longest format against near-neighbors Australia across December and January.

"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," selector Gavin Larsen said.

"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 four 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."

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Captain Kane Williamson is set to be involved against both England and Australia after recovering from a hip problem, which has restricted him to just four innings since the World Cup final.

Williamson did not feature in the T20 series against England in effort to be fit for the Tests but he is on track to be fully involved.

"Kane’s made good progress over the past fortnight and we’re delighted to welcome back a player of his class and experience," added Larsen.

"It’s obviously going to be a very special Test for him and Trent Boult being such passionate locals - we know there’s already a lot of excitement in that part of the Bay of Plenty."

New Zealand 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

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