New Zealand Name Squad For Bangladesh Tests, Tim Southee To Lead

image-lon4nrrxTim Southee will lead NZ in BAN Tests [X.com]

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a spin-heavy 15-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh, commencing after the culmination of the ongoing 2023 World Cup. In anticipation of spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, NZC has opted for four spin-bowling choices, and interestingly, Neil Wagner is not among the selections.

Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, who impressed during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, are making a return to the Test squad as spin-bowling all-rounders. 

Ravindra, who scored three centuries during the World Cup, is returning to the Test format after his last appearance in the Bay Oval Test against Bangladesh in January 2022. Phillips, who previously traveled to Pakistan in December-January, is back in the Test squad.

“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. He brings a wealth of experience in sub-continent conditions and adds depth to the batting line-up as a genuine allrounder," said New Zealand selector Sam Wells.

Kyle Jamieson, who underwent back surgery in February, is also set to return to the Test squad. He will join skipper Tim Southee and Matt Henry in a three-pronged pace attack.

Unfortunately, Michael Bracewell was unavailable for selection due to his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Moreover, Trent Boult did not make himself available for the tour and was not considered for selection.

The upcoming series is the start of the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship for the Black Caps. Luke Ronchi will lead the coaching team, with Gary Stead preparing for a busy home summer after the ICC Cricket World Cup in India.


New Zealand Test squad for the Bangladesh Tests

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