Ravindra Included in New Zealand Test Squad for South Africa Series as Nicholls Misses Out

Fresh off earning the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award for his World Cup heroics, 24-year-old all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been named in test squad of New Zealand for next month’s two-match series against South Africa.

Ravindra, who hasn’t played a test since January 2022, received the nod over established batsman Henry Nicholls for the series opener at Bay Oval, starting February 2nd. He’s likely to slot into the middle order alongside Glenn Phillips, who returns to the longest format after featuring in the Bangladesh series late last year.

Other notable absentees include veteran batsman Nicholls, spinner Ajaz Patel, and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. Left-armer Mitch Santner, who last played a test on home soil in 2020, is the lone specialist spinner in the 13-man squad. Uncapped pace bowler Will O’Rourke joins the Tim Southee-led squad for the second test in Hamilton.

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Concerns linger over the fitness of former captain Kane Williamson, batsman Tom Blundell, and fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, all battling hamstring issues. However, coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in their recovery: “They’re at different stages in their rehab, but we’re confident they’ll be ready for Bay Oval.”

This series presents a golden opportunity for New Zealand to clinch their first-ever test series win against South Africa, who named a significantly weakened squad featuring eight uncapped players. The timing of the series clashes with Cricket South Africa’s domestic T20 competition, a crucial revenue stream for the organization.

With Ravindra’s exciting inclusion and a favorable matchup against a depleted South Africa, New Zealand will be eager to capitalize on this historic opportunity and etch their names in the record books.

New Zealand Squad for Test Series Against South Africa

Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke (Hamilton test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Tim Southee (captain)