New Zealand’s test team against South Africa announced
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khaskhabar.com : Friday, January 26, 2024 12:17 PM
Christchurch. Rachin Ravindra is set to play his first Test at home since 2022 after being selected in the New Zealand Test squad as a middle-order batsman for the two-match Test series against South Africa starting on February 4.
Ravindra has been named in the squad for the two-match Test series against the Proteas starting at the Bay Oval in Tauranga next week after winning the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award.
New Zealand Cricket said, “The 24-year-old is set to bat in the middle order for the first time in his Test career after being brought into the line-up for Henry Nicholls, with Will Young providing batting cover.”
Ravindra had earlier made his Test debut against India in Kanpur in 2021-22.
He will be joined by Glenn Phillips, who is set to play his first Test on home soil after making his debut against Australia in 2019-20 and playing both Tests on the early season tour of Bangladesh.
All-rounder Mitchell Santner also retained his place in the team after his strong contribution with ball and bat in Bangladesh.
Head coach Gary Stead said that choosing the team was challenging. As a selector it was pleasing to see different players contribute during the recent series in Bangladesh.
He admitted that some difficult decisions had to be taken, including leaving out Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi.
“All three players have made strong contributions to Test-winning performances over the last 14 months. But, we believe we have struck a good balance between experience and providing opportunities for new players,” the coach said.
The team will arrive in Tauranga on February 1 ahead of the first Test starting on February 4 at the Bay Oval.
Schedule:
4-8 February, 1st Test, Tauranga
13-17 February, Second Test, Hamilton
New Zealand team: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke (only second Test), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson and Will Young.
–IANS
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