IND vs NZ: Pace-bowling all-rounder, Shami replacement options among 4 reserves for Test series vs New Zealand

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IND vs NZ: The BCCI on Friday announced India's 15-member squad for the three-match Test series against New Zealand starting October 16 in Bengaluru. Except for Yash Dayal, the selection committee picked all the players who were part of the two-Test series against Bangladesh.

Dayal has also not been named among the four travelling reserves for the home series. Nitish Reddy, a fast-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, is one of the four reserves.

Reddy has impressed in his T20I debut against Bangladesh, scoring 34 off just 74 balls in the second game. He also picked two wickets in the match. His addition to the Indian Test team could give a great balance to the Indian Test squad, especially during their tours of Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand.

Hardik Pandya raised expectations of a Test comeback after he recently shared pictures and videos of him practicing with the red ball. However, the latest squad announcement has quashed any such chances. Hardik played his last Test match in August 2018.

Mohammed Shami hasn't yet been named in the squad, and with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia fast approaching, the selectors and the Indian team management are preparing a bench of fast bowlers who can step up for him in case he does not become fit on time to participate in the crucial five-Test series.

Tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav, who made his T20I debut against Bangladesh, has found place in India's travelling reserves list alongside other fellow pacers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.

Each of the four players named in the travelling reserves list are pacers, and that makes it clear that India have an eye on the Australia tour already, and having a pool of versatile fast bowlers is among one of their agendas.

India Travelling reserves vs New Zealand: Nitish Reddy, Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna