The New Zealand cricket squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa has been unveiled, featuring the return of Kane Williamson and the inclusion of emerging talent Rachin Ravindra. The star batsmen are set to bolster the Black Caps in the challenging series, which kicks off next week.
Kane Williamson, who was sidelined with a hamstring strain during the recent home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, is back in action. The New Zealand team emerged victorious in the T20 series against Pakistan, securing a 4-1 win.
Rachin Ravindra, recently honored as the emerging player of the year by the International Cricket Council, will step into the middle order, replacing veteran Henry Nicholls. The decision to exclude Nicholls was a tough one, according to New Zealand head coach Gary Stead, acknowledging Nicholls’ significant contribution to the squad over 56 Tests. However, Stead expressed confidence in Ravindra’s talent and believes he will perform well at this stage in his career.
Ravindra, aged 24, is set to make his fourth Test appearance since making his debut against India in 2021. Additionally, pace bowler Kyle Jamieson is making a comeback after recovering from a back injury.
In a noteworthy move, uncapped seamer Will O’Rourke has been added to the squad for the second Test in Hamilton, scheduled to start on February 13. This presents a potential opportunity for O’Rourke to make his Test debut.
The first Test of the series is slated to commence on February 4 at Mount Maunganui, with New Zealand eyeing a historic Test series win over South Africa.
South Africa, on the other hand, have named an inexperienced squad, with most of their first-choice players committed to domestic Twenty20 competitions. Eight out of the 15-man Proteas squad are yet to make their Test debut, including captain Neil Brand, while fast bowler Duanne Olivier boasts the most Test experience with 15 appearances.
New Zealand Test squad:
Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson and Will Young.
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