(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] New Zealand Cricket (NZC) unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh on Tuesday. New Zealand will mark their return to Bangladesh for Test cricket after a decade.
The first match is scheduled to be held in Sylhet from November 28 to December 2, followed by the second Test in Dhaka from December 6 to 10. This series holds great significance as it is the first Test assignment for both teams in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Tim Southee, the experienced Black Caps pacer, has been appointed as the captain, a noteworthy decision with Kane Williamson also in the squad.
Considering the spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, the Kiwis have wisely chosen to include five spinners – Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Ajaz Patel, and Ish Sodhi. Notably, Santner last played in June 2021 against England at Lord’s.
Apart from Southee, the two pacers in the squad are Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, while Tom Blundell will take up the role of the specialized wicket-keeper.
The batting line-up consists of Williamson, Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Devon Conway, Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell.
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, will be absent from the team’s upcoming series as he has been granted a break. In his absence, former New Zealand player Luke Ronchi will step in as the coach.
“We’ve selected a squad we think can compete and succeed in Bangladesh. With Ajaz, Ish, Mitch, Glenn, and Rachin, we have a strong spin group that will offer good variety and options during the series. Mitch had a strong back half of the Plunket Shield campaign last summer and has made good strides in his red-ball bowling,” New Zealand selector Sam Wells was quoted as saying by nzc.nz.
“Rachin brings a left-arm orthodox option and has improved considerably over the past 18 months with the ball – and his performances with the bat at the World Cup speak for themselves. It’s great to be able to call upon the services of Kyle again after a period out of the team and he will bring a different dimension to the pace group,” he added.
New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young.