New Zealand’s Spin-Heavy Test Squad Ready for Bangladesh Series

New Zealand’s Test squad, laden with spin expertise, announces the return of key players for the Bangladesh series. Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner are set to make their mark.

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New Zealand unveiled a Test squad that heavily emphasizes spin, marking the return of Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner for an upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh set to commence on November 28th.

With conditions in Bangladesh favoring spin, Mitchell Santner rejoins the squad, having last played a Test in 2021 at Lord’s against England. He teams up with Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the primary spin options.

Santner’s inclusion comes on the back of an impressive Plunket Shield season with Northern Districts in 2022/23, where he secured 15 wickets at an average of 26 and maintained a batting average of 52.

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The spin department is further strengthened by all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, who are making their return to the Test squad following notable performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup.

New Zealand selector Sam Wells explained that the squad selection was tailored to the conditions in Bangladesh.

“We’ve picked a squad we believe can compete and excel in Bangladesh,” Wells stated.

“With Ajaz, Ish, Mitch, Glenn, and Rachin, we have a formidable spin group that provides versatility and numerous options during the series. Mitch showed significant improvement in his red-ball bowling during the latter part of the Plunket Shield campaign. His wealth of experience in subcontinent conditions adds depth to the batting lineup, given his all-round capabilities,” he added.

“Rachin offers a left-arm orthodox option and has shown considerable improvement in his bowling skills over the past 18 months. His performances with the bat at the World Cup are a testament to his abilities,” Wells continued.

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“It’s great to have Kyle back in the Test squad after his time away. He brings a unique dimension to our pace group.”

Ravindra, who recorded three centuries at the World Cup, returns for his first Test assignment since the match against Bangladesh at Bay Oval in January 2022. Phillips makes a comeback to the Test squad after his participation in the tour of Pakistan in December/January.

Kyle Jamieson also makes a welcome return to the Test squad after undergoing back surgery in February. He joins the three-man pace attack alongside captain Tim Southee and Matt Henry.

The 28-year-old fast bowler boasts an impressive record, having taken 72 wickets at an average of 19 in just 16 Tests. He achieved the distinction of becoming the fastest New Zealander to reach 50 Test wickets (in nine Tests) and was named the Player of the Match in the successful ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

This series signifies the commencement of the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship for the Blackcaps. The coaching team will be led by Luke Ronchi, while regular head coach Gary Stead returns to prepare for the upcoming home summer after the ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

Ronchi’s supporting staff in Bangladesh includes bowling coaches Jacob Oram (pace) and Saqlain Mushtaq (spin), along with Daniel Flynn, who joins as the batting coach for the first time.

Wells expressed the team’s excitement at the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.

“The BLACKCAPS have a proud history in the WTC, having won the first edition,” he remarked.

“The team and our fans hold this tournament in high regard. Past editions have shown the significance of gaining points in away matches, and the squad is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead in foreign conditions.”

Michael Bracewell, an all-rounder from Wellington Firebirds, is unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles. Trent Boult opted not to be considered for selection for the tour.