Rachin Ravindra Named In New Zealand's Squad For South Africa Tests 

image-lru3pwleRachin Ravindra [X.com]

New Zealand's rising young allrounder Rachin Ravindra is set to appear in his first home Test in two years after being picked for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, starting February 4 in Mount Maunganui. 

The 24-year-old, who made his Test debut in India in November 2021 and played the Kanpur and Mumbai Tests before following it up with a turnout on familial turf against Bangladesh in the New Year, returns to the Test playing XI after a two-year hiatus. 

Ravindra replaces fellow left-hander Henry Nicholls, who was dropped after last month's series in December. Will Young will be providing New Zealand a cover for the two Tests ahead of which the Tim Southee-led side would be delighted to have their batting stalwart Kane Williamson recovering smoothly from his injury.


Rachin In New Zealand's Squad For Proteas Challenge 

He will be one of the two utility batting allrounders in the middle-order for the BlackCaps, alongside the explosive Glenn Phillips, who was one of the heroes of New Zealand's critical comeback win in Dhaka versus Bangladesh. Phillips, who produced exceptional knocks in either innings and took a four-fer, ended as the 'Player Of The Match'.

No specialist spinner has been named for home conditions, as Mitchell Santner also pips Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi after the latter two were rested for tactical reasons, keeping in mind the tracks expected.

The Kiwis have also announced uncapped pacer Will O’Rourke will be joining the squad for the second Test match in Hamilton as a potential debutant.

Stead also expressed positivity around the rehabs of Williamson as well as Kyle Jamieson and Tom Blundell and backed them to be fine in a week for the Bay Oval encounter.

New Zealand squad Vs SA: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke (second Test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young