Black Caps v England: Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson headline Black Caps speed revival for England tests
The depth and ferocity of a revamped pace bowling battery appears core to New Zealand’s chances of success on their three-test cricket tour of England.
Few series capture fans’ imagination like those in Blighty, especially if you possess personnel capable of swinging and seaming the Dukes ball.
That holds especially true in an era where the best Black Caps often turn down international opportunities in favour of T20 league contracts across a congested global calendar. The prospect of donning the whites at iconic venues in front of appreciative crowds remains a compelling lure.
New Zealand have had three series wins from 19 attempts in England. The latest edition suggests a fourth is possible across Lord’s, The Oval and Trent Bridge for those boiling the kettle and grilling cheese-on-toast in the wee hours at home.
This also presents as a scenario for a fast-bowling revival from the national side.
The third fixture at Headingley on the 2022 visit marked the 40th and final joint appearance of the country’s best seam troika. Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner have all since retired from tests.
This time, the Black Caps look set to unleash Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson as their strike weapons for the opening match at the Marylebone Cricket Club tomorrow. Pace bowling allrounder Nathan Smith will likely offer support while bolstering the batting at eight.
Jacob Duffy, the current Sir Richard Hadlee Medal recipient as men’s player of the year, would have retained his spot in the First XI. He has instead been granted paternity leave as he and wife Tash await the birth of their first child.
The 31-year-old’s loss will be significant. He went from debuting against Zimbabwe in August after 108 first-class matches to being declared player of the series against the Caribbean tourists four months later. His 23 wickets at 15.43 were the most by a New Zealander in a bilateral contest at home.
Regardless, anticipation builds at the thought of England-born O’Rourke returning from a 10-month hiatus in the longest format. The taciturn 24-year-old, who goes by the nickname “Mute”, could speak loudest by charging in from the Pavilion End and using the slope to jag deliveries into right-handers or away from left-handers.
Equally, Henry is poised to resume as leader of the attack after succumbing to a faulty hamstring in the opener against the West Indies in December. He had a scare in the same anatomical department before this match, too. Lord’s will also hold special memories. He made his test debut on the hallowed turf in 2015, returning six wickets.
In addition, the return to fitness of 2021 World Test Championship player-of-the-match Jamieson promises a wealth of bounce and carry from his 2.03m frame. The 31-year-old’s record from four fixtures in England – including the WTC final against India – boasts 16 wickets at 21.18.
Such is the current depth that Blair Tickner – fresh from five for 76 in the second innings of the win against Ireland in Belfast – and Zak Foulkes remain on the waiting list if injury strikes.
New Zealand have won once at Lord’s, as part of the 2-1 series victory over England in 1999.