Home team New Zealand have announced their 13-member squad for the upcoming 2-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series kick starts on January 01 and will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch respectively! Kane Williamson who is still recovering from the elbow injury that kept him out of the 2nd Test in India has been ruled out of this complete Bangladesh series!
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Tom Latham has been announced as their captain for this series and will lead Blackcaps for the first time in a full series! Latham had earlier led NZ in four Test matches - against Australia at SCG, against West Indies in Wellington, against England in Birmingham, against India in Mumbai - in the past 2 years. Under Latham's captaincy, NZ won against West Indies and England!
“It’s obviously disappointing not to have Kane available for this series but, as we noted in India, he is undergoing a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening, and gradual batting loading. We have every confidence in Tom leading the side - he’s done an excellent job in the past when called upon," said Gary Stead, NZ head coach.
With NZ returning to the home series, they have loaded their loaded bowling unit with pacers. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry have all been named in the 13-man squad. With no frontline spinners picked, Ajaz Patel had to sit out of the squad. It was only in his last Test match, Ajaz bagged all 10 wickets in a single Test innings!
Also Read: Ajaj Patel bagged all 10 wickets in a single Test innings against India
However, the NZ head coach has stressed the fact that they have always selected horses for courses. He also believes that the squad named for the Bangladesh series is the best suited for the home conditions. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra who has been named in the squad can bowl the tough overs if required for his team.
“You do feel for Ajaz after his record-breaking display in India. However, we’ve always applied a horses-for-courses selection policy and believe the players selected best fit the way we want to take on Bangladesh here at home,” added Stead.
The first Test match will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from Jan 01 while the second Test match will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from Jan 09.
NZ Squad for Bangladesh Tests: Tom Latham (c), Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry.
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