Wellington: Key batsman Kane Williamson has made a faster than expected recovery from injury to be included in New Zealand's 13-man squad for the first of three cricket tests against the West Indies.
Williamson was forced to return early from New Zealand's tour to Bangladesh last month after breaking a thumb while fielding. He was expected to be out of action for several weeks but his condition has improved more quickly than anticipated.
The 23-year-old No. 3 batsman will still have to pass a fitness test before being confirmed in New Zealand's lineup for the test which starts at Dunedin on Tuesday.
Selection manager Bruce Edgar said "Kane has been in the nets batting and bowling and getting his intensity level up. We're confident he should be right come Tuesday."
Fast bowler Tim Southee has also been named in the squad and is likely to play his first test since undergoing ankle surgery in July. Southee returned to international cricket on the limited overs section of New Zealand's Bangladesh tour and is now considered fit for a test return.
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and all-rounder Corey Anderson are expected to play their first tests at home after both made their debuts in Bangladesh.
New Zealand squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Peter Fulton, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, B.J. Watling, Kane Williamson.
