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New Zealand recalls Nicholls to replace the retired Williamson for 2nd test at The Oval
Henry Nicholls returns after Kane Williamson’s abrupt retirement, and New Zealand captain Tom Latham says his domestic form earned the call-up.
On Tuesday, New Zealand recalled Henry Nicholls to replace the retired Kane Williamson for the second test against England at The Oval.
Williamson, New Zealand's all-time highest run-scorer, abruptly retired from international cricket last Friday, prompting the team to seek his replacement.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham confirmed the move, citing Nicholls' domestic dominance: a 96.66 average across 11 innings for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield.
Nicholls has played only two tests in two and a half years, both in Zimbabwe last year, though he recently competed in Bangladesh one-day internationals in April.
Despite losing the first test by 115 runs, captain Latham said the team remains focused; fast bowler Matt Henry's fitness will be tested after back spasms.