CHRISTCHURCH, Nov 27, (V7N) - New Zealand have named pace bowler Nathan Smith to make his Test debut against England in the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, starting Thursday. The 26-year-old will be part of a seam-heavy attack, in contrast to the spin-dominated surfaces New Zealand played on in their historic 3-0 series win in India.

Smith will join Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and Will O'Rourke in the pace department, with New Zealand captain Tom Latham describing Smith as a bowler who moves the ball both ways and hits the wicket hard. Latham also confirmed the return of a fit-again Kane Williamson to the batting lineup, meaning Will Young, the player of the series in India, misses out. Latham emphasized that despite their success in India, New Zealand is focused on the upcoming challenge.

England, on the other hand, will have untested 21-year-old Jacob Bethell in their lineup, following a surprise selection after wicketkeeper Jordan Cox broke his thumb. Bethell will likely face the new ball on a pitch favorable to seam bowling. England's captain Ben Stokes defended the decision to pick Bethell, stressing that they had a clear plan. Ollie Pope will move to number six and take the gloves, while Stokes himself will bat at seven.

England, who have not won a Test series in New Zealand since 2008, are coming off a 2-1 loss to Pakistan and face a tough challenge against a confident New Zealand side. Stokes acknowledged the significance of New Zealand’s victory in India, calling it a major achievement for world cricket.

Teams:

New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O'Rourke.

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes (capt), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.

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