Rachin Ravindra in New Zealand Test squad for South Africa

Rachin Ravindra (24), recently honored as the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for his standout performances in the World Cup, has been selected in New Zealand’s test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa next month. Despite playing his last of three tests in January 2022, Ravindra was preferred over Henry Nicholls for the series against a weakened Proteas team. Glenn Phillips is expected to bat in the middle order alongside Ravindra in his inaugural home test after returning to the longest format in the series against Bangladesh late last year.

Notable absentees include Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, and Ish Sodhi, with left-arm spinner Mitch Santner, who last played a test on home soil in 2020, serving as the only specialist spinner in the 13-man squad. Uncapped pace bowler Will O’Rourke is set to join the squad led by Tim Southee for the second test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, commencing on February 13.

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Despite concerns over their hamstring issues, former captain Kane Williamson, batsman Tom Blundell, and quick Kyle Jamieson have been included in the New Zealand test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa. Coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in their rehabilitation plans and anticipates their readiness for the matches at Bay Oval.

Notably, New Zealand has historically struggled to defeat South Africa in a test series. However, the upcoming series presents a favorable opportunity as the Proteas have named a weakened squad featuring eight uncapped players.

The upcoming test series between New Zealand and South Africa will coincide with Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) domestic Twenty20 competition, which is considered crucial for the organization’s future financial well-being.