New Zealand have bolstered their pace attack for the upcoming England series with the return of tall seamers Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke. Jamieson, 31, missed all of 2024 after a back problem, while O'Rourke, 24, recovered from a stress fracture that sidelined him in August. Both join a squad that also features Matt Henry, Blair Tickner and Zak Foulkes.

The pair bring considerable firepower; Jamieson claimed 80 wickets in just 19 Tests before his injury, and O'Rourke has taken 39 wickets in 11 outings, including ten against England in 2024. Veteran batsman Kane Williamson returns on a casual contract, while spinner Mitchell Santner remains unavailable after a shoulder injury in the IPL and will miss the opening match altogether.

New Zealand open the tour with a four‑day fixture in Belfast on 27 May before the three‑Test series kicks off at Lord’s on 4 June, England’s first Test since their 4‑1 Ashes loss. With Jamieson and O'Rourke leading the seam attack, the Black Caps aim to pressure a batting line‑up that struggled in Australia, and the selections signal a determined response overall.