The Black Caps have revealed a spin-heavy test squad for their upcoming two-match series in Bangladesh, which marks the beginning of the third cycle
The Black Caps have revealed a spin-heavy test squad for their upcoming two-match series in Bangladesh, which marks the beginning of the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
The squad includes the return of Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner, and will see Tim Southee take on the captaincy for the two tests scheduled in Sylhet (from November 28) and Dhaka (from December 6).
Given the anticipated spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, the squad has been tailored to maximize spin-bowling options. Front-line spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi will be joined by Mitchell Santner, who is making a comeback after his last test appearance in 2021.
The spin contingent also features off-spinning all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, who have performed impressively in the early stages of the World Cup.
Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson makes a welcome return to the test squad following back surgery earlier in the year, joining Tim Southee in the pace attack.
With a coaching team led by Luke Ronchi and support from bowling coaches Jacob Oram and Saqlain Mushtaq, the Black Caps are geared up for the challenges presented by Bangladesh’s conditions.
Selector Sam Wells commented that the squad is well-prepared to compete and succeed in Bangladesh, and Kyle Jamieson’s return adds a new dimension to the pace group.
Notably, Trent Boult made himself unavailable for the tour, and Michael Bracewell was unavailable for selection due to his ongoing recovery from a ruptured achilles.
Neil Wagner Steps In for Injured Matt Henry in BLACKCAPS Test Squad Against Bangladesh
In preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Neil Wagner has been called up to replace the injured Matt Henry in the BLACKCAPS Test squad. Henry sustained a right hamstring injury during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India and has not sufficiently recovered for Test cricket. Wagner, with 63 Tests under his belt, brings both skill and experience to the squad.
The first Test is set to commence on November 28, followed by the second Test starting on December 6 in Dhaka. The BLACKCAPS Test players are scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on November 21.
BLACKCAPS Test squad v Bangladesh
Tim Southee (c)
Tom Blundell (wk)
Devon Conway
Kyle Jamieson
Tom Latham
Daryl Mitchell
Henry Nicholls
Ajaz Patel
Glenn Phillips
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Neil Wagner
Kane Williamson
Will Young
