After a two-year wait, Rachin Ravindra is gearing up for his first home Test appearance, where he’ll be taking on a middle-order role in the upcoming series against South Africa. The 24-year-old, who recently snagged the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ title at the ICC awards, is stepping into the spot left open by Henry Nicholls, who didn’t make the cut for the upcoming two Tests.
Rachin Ravindra’s Inclusion In New Zealand Vs South Africa Test Series .
Ravindra first stepped onto the Test scene in 2021 during the India tour, showcasing his skills in both the Kanpur and Mumbai Tests. His next Test outing took place at the Bay Oval against Bangladesh in January 2022. Although he was selected for the recent Bangladesh series after an impressive World Cup, he didn’t get a chance to play in either of the two Tests.
New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke* (for second Test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
In the squad, Rachin Ravindra is one of the two left-arm spinning choices for captain Tim Southee. Mitchell Santner has been selected as the primary spinner, edging out Ajaz Patel, and legspinner Ish Sodhi hasn’t secured a spot in the lineup. Additionally, Glenn Phillips, who had an impressive series in Bangladesh, is poised to make his first appearance in a home Test since debuting in the 2019-20 season against Australia.
“It was pleasing as a selector to see different players making contributions during the recent series in Bangladesh,” head coach Gary said
“Rachin Ravindra is another player who has really impressed us with his contributions to the team over the past 12 months in international cricket. We’ve been particularly pleased with his ability to adapt and learn in different roles.”
In the fast bowling department, the selectors have given Canterbury fast bowler Will O’Rourke his first call-up. However, he will be considered only for the second Test. O’Rourke’s promotion comes after being selected for the New Zealand ‘A’ side in the four-day games against Australia A and his recent debut in ODIs.
On another note, the announced squad marks the return of Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson, and Kyle Jamieson. All three players have been recovering from recent injuries, but they are expected to be fit for the series opener. The first Test is scheduled to commence on February 4 at the Bay Oval.
check here – Ravichandran Ashwin’s Insights On Pitch And Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Flair: India’s Day 1 Triumph , India Vs England .
“It’s an honour to be involved in any Test match and I know the players are looking forward to the start of a big Test summer – in what is a big year of Test cricket home and away. The Proteas are a highly competitive team across formats and, having never won a Test series against them home or away, we expect two stern challenges,” Stead said.
1 thought on “Rachin Ravindra added in New Zealand’s Test Squad for 2 matches , new zealand vs south africa test .”