Rachin Ravindra called in New Zealand squad for Test series vs South Africa, two star spinners dropped

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Rachin Ranvindra was named in New Zealand's Test squad for the Test series against South Africa starting Sunday, February 4 in Mount Maunganui. The all-rounder made his Test debut in 2021 but has featured in only three matches, the last one back in January 2022.

Having been brought into the line-up for Henry Nicholls, the 24-year-old is set to bat in the middle order for the first time in his Test career, with Will Young providing batting cover.

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has also been included in the squad which will be led by Tim Southee. Williamson suffered a hamstring injury in the T20I series against Pakistan. He is expected to recover on time. Tom Blundell and Kyle Jamieson are also battling fitness concerns, but have found a place.

Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner have also retained his Test spot. Phillips was adjudged Man of the Match in New Zealand's last Test match against Bangladesh in Mirpur. He is in line to play his first Test on home soil after making his debut against Australia in 2019-20.

"A squad of 13 will assemble for each Test, with pace bowler Will O’Rourke joining the squad for the second match at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, and one player coming out of the squad from Tauranga. O’Rourke’s elevation follows his selection in the New Zealand A side for the four-day “Tests” against Australia A, and his recent ODI debut," a release from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said.

Star spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have been dropped from the squad. The duo were part of New Zealand's tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.

Stead acknowledged that some tough calls had to be made, including leaving out Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi.

“All three players have made strong contributions to Test-winning performances over the past 14 months. But we believe we’ve struck a good balance between experience, and providing opportunities for newer players.”

Stead noted that, while several players in the squad had missed cricket recently due to injury, all were tracking positively for the series opener.

“Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson are all at slightly different points in their rehabilitation plans. But we’re confident they’ll be good to go at Bay Oval.”

New Zealand Test squad vs South Africa: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke (second Test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

NZ vs SA schedule:

February 4-8, First Test, Tauranga

February 13-17, Second Test, Hamilton