Nicholls returns for New Zealand after Williamson retirement

Henry Nicholls will return to the New Zealand cricket team in the pivotal number three batting position, following the international retirement of star player Kane Williamson. Captain Tom Latham announced the decision Tuesday, ahead of the second test against England.

Williamson, who retired at 35, leaves behind a legacy as New Zealand's most prolific run-scorer. He anchored the team through its most successful period across all formats of the game, amassing over 19,000 international runs.

"It's a really exciting opportunity for him to come back into the side in a role, at three, that he's been doing for Canterbury at home," Latham told reporters. "I think the good thing with Henry is he's always been able to adapt to situations. He's pretty much batted from the top to the middle throughout his international career, and he'll do whatever is required for the team."

Nicholls, 34, last played test cricket against Zimbabwe last year and has earned 58 caps. He now faces the challenge of solidifying the number three spot after New Zealand fell behind 1-0 in the three-match series, losing the first test at Lord's by 115 runs.

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It's a really exciting opportunity for him to come back into the side in a role, at three, that he's been doing for Canterbury at home. I think the good thing with Henry is he's always been able to adapt to situations. He's pretty much batted from the top to the middle throughout his international career, and he'll do whatever is required for the team.