Dean Foxcroft is in line to become the latest South African-born player to represent New Zealand in Test cricket.
The 28-year-old Foxcroft was named in the Black Caps’ squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England.
The Pretoria-born all-rounder, who has already played four ODIs and seven T20Is for New Zealand, was included in a 19-man touring squad announced on Thursday.
If selected, Foxcroft would add his name to a growing list of South African-born players to wear the famous silver fern in Test cricket.
The list includes the likes of Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Grant Elliott, Glen Phillips and Devon Conway. Watling and Phillips moved to New Zealand as small children though.
Conway is also in the squad to tour Ireland and England.
Foxcroft represented South Africa at the 2016 U19 World Cup before relocating to New Zealand, where he developed into one of the country’s leading domestic performers with Otago.
His international ambitions were nearly derailed during the Covid-19 pandemic after he became stranded in South Africa for almost two years due to strict border restrictions.
However, the ICC later granted him eligibility under its “exceptional circumstances” criteria, paving the way for his New Zealand debut in 2023.
A hard-hitting middle-order batter who also bowls off-spin, Foxcroft has impressed consistently in domestic cricket and was previously named New Zealand’s domestic player of the year.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the upcoming tour presented a major challenge for his side.
“To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge and with the added carrot of the fourth edition of the World Test Championship,” Walter said.
“I know it’s something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we’re determined to meet the opportunity head on.”
The Black Caps will play a once-off Test against Ireland before a three-match series against England.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
