New Zealand has announced its Test squad for the upcoming tour to Bangladesh, marking the initiation of a new World Test Championship cycle. The team is scheduled to participate in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the games taking place in Sylhet and Dhaka. The squad will be led by veteran New Zealand cricketer Tim Southee.
The Kiwis have unveiled a spin-oriented Test squad in preparation for the challenging conditions in Bangladesh. The squad includes notable names such as Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner, who are making a comeback. Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi will be the primary spinners, given the spin-friendly conditions expected. All-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are included to bolster the spin options.
In the fast bowling department, captain Tim Southee will lead the pace attack, supported by Matt Henry and the returning Kyle Jamieson. Kyle Jamieson’s return comes after a successful recovery from back surgery in February. He holds an impressive record, with 72 wickets at an outstanding average of 19 in just 16 Test matches, making him the fastest New Zealander to claim 50 Test wickets in only nine outings.
This tour to Bangladesh marks New Zealand’s first Test series on Bangladeshi soil in a decade, and it begins after their victory in a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh as part of their preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This tour offers an opportunity for New Zealand to compete and succeed in Bangladesh’s challenging conditions.
The selectors have emphasized the strong spin group in the squad, acknowledging the variety and options it offers. Mitchell Santner’s notable performances in domestic cricket, along with Rachin Ravindra’s improvement with the ball and his impressive batting display in the World Cup, make them valuable assets. Kyle Jamieson’s return adds a new dimension to the pace department.
With this squad, New Zealand aims to tackle the unique challenges posed by Bangladeshi conditions and put up a competitive performance in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
New Zealand Squad
Tim Southee (c), Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Will Young
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