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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Ali Martin in Christchurch

Kane Williamson returns for New Zealand’s first Test against England

Kane Williamson talks with Tom Latham
Kane Williamson returns for the Black Caps at the expense of Will Young as New Zealand take on England in the first Test at Hagley Oval. Photograph: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Perhaps the trick to winning a Test series in India is to switch captains and make it a left-handed opener. It certainly worked for New Zealand, Tom Latham stepping up and leading a 3-0 slice of history three weeks ago – a first since Alastair Cook, a new full-time skipper at the time, led England to a 2-1 win in 2012.

Either way, that seismic result now sees Latham and his Black Caps side enter this three-match home series against England in a buoyant mood and still with a chance to make next year’s World Test Championship final. Ben Stokes called the competition “a bit confusing” on Wednesday but was in no doubt about the feat his hosts recently achieved, describing it as “massive for world cricket.”

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