Rachin Ravindra is ready so as to add to his three Test caps after being named within the New Zealand squad for the two-Test collection in opposition to South Africa that begins on February 4 in Mount Maunganui. New Zealand have additionally handed a maiden call-up to Canterbury quick bowler Will O’Rourke, who is named the clone of Kyle Jamieson, though solely for the second Test in Hamilton.
From the Test squad that toured Bangladesh in November-December final 12 months, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel haven’t present in a spot in opposition to South Africa due to the circumstances anticipated at house.
Ravindra comes into the squad on the expense of Henry Nicholls, who has suffered considerably of a kind stoop. Barring an unbeaten 200 in opposition to Sri Lanka in Wellington in March 2023, the batter hasn’t crossed 40 in his final 11 Tests.
Ravindra made his Test debut in November 2021 in opposition to India in Kanpur however has not performed the format for the reason that new 12 months’s Test in opposition to Bangladesh in 2022. Nevertheless, a breakthrough 2023 which culminated in him bagging the ICC Rising Participant-of-the-12 months award has seen him get a Test recall.
O’Rourke, 22, lately made his ODI debut within the three-game collection in opposition to Bangladesh at house choosing 5 wickets at 23.00. He’s at the moment taking part in the Tremendous Smash – the home T20s – the place he has picked 9 wickets within the final 5 video games.
Mitchell Santner stored his place and so did Glenn Phillips, who confirmed his wares in Bangladesh. With scores of 87 and 40 not out, the middle-order batter was named Participant of the Match within the second Test in Mirpur which New Zealand received by 4 wickets. He additionally picked a three-for within the first innings.
Since making his debut in opposition to Australia, this would be the first time that Phillips might be taking part in a Test at house since January 2020, if picked within the XI.
“It was pleasing as a selector to see totally different gamers making contributions in the course of the current collection in Bangladesh,” head coach Gary Stead stated. “Glenn and Mitch each earned choice on the again of their current work in red-ball cricket. Will O’Rourke has impressed us in stepping up from home cricket to New Zealand A after which worldwide degree. Rachin Ravindra is one other participant who has actually impressed us along with his contributions to the crew over the previous 12 months in worldwide cricket.
“Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson are all at barely totally different factors of their rehabilitation plans. However we’re assured they will be good to go at Bay Oval.”
New Zealand are chasing their first-ever Test collection win in opposition to a weakened South Africa, who’ve as many as eight uncapped gamers within the aspect, together with captain Neil Model. Duanne Olivier is essentially the most skilled member of the aspect with 15 Tests to his identify. Stead, nevertheless, anticipated stern challenges from the South Africa unit regardless.
“The Proteas are a extremely aggressive crew throughout codecs and, having by no means received a Test collection in opposition to them house or away, we count on two stern challenges,” he stated. “It is an honour to be concerned in any Test match and I do know the gamers are wanting ahead to the beginning of a giant Test summer season – in what’s a giant 12 months of Test cricket house and away.”
Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke (second check solely), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Younger
