Rachin Ravindra gears up for fresh role as New Zealand announce Test squad for South Africa series

In an anticipated move, Rachin Ravindra is poised to make his much-awaited return to Test cricket on home soil after a two-year hiatus. The 24-year-old, honoured as the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ at the prestigious ICC awards, is slated to fill the middle-order vacancy in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Ravindra’s inclusion comes as Henry Nicholls finds himself omitted from the squad for the two Tests. Having debuted during the 2021 India tour and making a solitary appearance against Bangladesh in January 2022, the southpaw’s Test career has seen sporadic outings. Despite a prolific World Cup campaign, his recent call-up for the Bangladesh series didn’t translate into a playing berth. 

“It was pleasing as a selector to see different players making contributions during the recent series in Bangladesh. Rachin Ravindra is another player who has really impressed us with his contributions to the team over the past 12 months in international cricket. We’ve been particularly pleased with his ability to adapt and learn in different roles,” head coach Gary Stead said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Tim Southee faces left-arm spinner conundrum

In the upcoming series, captain Tim Southee faces a choice between two left-arm spinning options with Mitchell Santner selected as the primary spinner over Ajaz Patel, sidelining leg spinner Ish Sodhi. Ravindra emerges as one of the left-arm spinning prospects. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips, showcasing prowess in Bangladesh, eyes his first home Test since his 2019-20 debut against Australia. His inclusion underscores the team’s strategic depth and potential match-winning capabilities in the impending series.

In the latest squad announcement, the return of Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson, and Kyle Jamieson highlights New Zealand’s strengthened lineup. The trio, recovering from recent injuries, is set to be available for the series opener. The eagerly awaited first Test is scheduled to commence on February 4 at the Bay Oval, promising an exciting start to the series.

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