New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday announced a spin-heavy Kiwi Test squad, including the return of youngster Rachin Ravindra, star spinner Mitchell Santner, and pacer Kyle Jamieson, who have been added for a two-Test series in Bangladesh starting later this month.
“A spin-heavy Kiwis Test squad featuring the return of Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner has been selected for a two-Test series in Bangladesh,” a statement from New Zealand Cricket read.
The series kicks off New Zealand’s third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, with a coaching staff led by Luke Ronchi as regular head coach Gary Stead returns home following the ICC Cricket World Cup in India to prepare for a busy home summer.
“New Zealand’s fast bowler Trent Boult was not considered for selection after making himself unavailable for the tour,” the statement further read.
With spin-friendly conditions expected in Bangladesh, Santner joins Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the squad’s front-line tweakers. Santner will return to the side, having played the last of his 24 Tests in 2021 against England at Lord’s. The left-arm orthodox spinner is currently Kiwi’s most dangerous bowler in the ICC World Cup 2023, with 14 wickets.
The spin options are further boosted by off-spinning all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, who return to the Test squad off the back of impressive performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup in India.
Kyle Jamieson returns to the Test squad after undergoing back surgery in February, joining Tim Southee and Matt Henry in a three-man speed attack.
New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson and Will Young