New Zealand picked five spin-bowling options as they named their squad for their Only Test against Afghanistan to be held from September 9 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. The Black Caps picked Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips in their spin department.
Fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears are set to play their maiden overseas Tests, having already represented the national team in whites.
“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” Gary Stead, the head coach, was quoted as saying.
“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the BLACK CAPS across all three formats. His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka,” Stead added.
New Zealand are set for a hectic schedule. After the Test against Afghanistan, they will tour Sri Lanka for a two-match series followed by three Tests on Indian soil. Thereafter, they are scheduled to host England for three Tests, which also mark the beginning of their summer.
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is also back to the New Zealand setup as the bowling coach for the series against the Afghans and Sri Lanka.
The Kiwis are currently placed third in the points table in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).
New Zealand squad
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Source Agencies
