Kane Williamson To Make New Zealand Comeback In England ODI Series

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News Desk | October 20, 2025 | Sports | Follow on Google News

Kane Williamson To Make New Zealand Comeback In England ODI Series

Kane Williamson is set to make his return to international cricket when New Zealand takes on England in a three-match ODI series starting October 26 at Bay Oval, his home ground in Mount Maunganui. The veteran batter, 35, had been sidelined for the ongoing T20I series against England due to “minor medical issue” over the past month, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Williamson currently holds a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He opted out of the T20I series against Australia and also skipped the Zimbabwe tour to feature in county cricket and The Hundred as part of his deal with Middlesex. More recently, he took on a new role as strategic advisor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

All-rounder Nathan Smith also makes a comeback to the squad after completing his recovery from an abdominal injury sustained during the first Test against Zimbabwe in August in Bulawayo. The 27-year-old has not featured in competitive cricket since that injury but has now been declared fully fit for the upcoming season.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed his delight at having both Williamson and Smith back in the mix. For Williamson, this will mark his first appearance for New Zealand since the Champions Trophy final in Dubai earlier this year. Smith too was part of that final, stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Matt Henry.

Kane and Nathan have had to work hard to overcome their respective injuries and illness,” Walter said in a statement, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

“We all know what Kane means to the Blackcaps – to have his skill, experience and leadership back in the group is fantastic,” he added. ANI