Rachin Ravindra will headline the New Zealand squad for the two-match home Test series against South Africa.
Ravindra, 24, is fresh from winning the International Cricket Council’s Emerging Player of the Year.
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Replacing Henry Nicholls
However, Ravindra will take place the 32-year-old Henry Nicholls in the middle-order
“It was a very tough decision. Henry has been part of the squad for 56 Tests, said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
Whenever you leave a player out, it weighs heavy, but we felt it’s time for Rachin.”
“We know the talent he is and feel he will make a really good fist of it at this stage in his career.”
This is only Ravindra’s fourth Test appearance with New Zealand since his debut against India in 2021.
Williamson, Jamieson return from injury
Batter Kane Williamson and pace bowler Kyle Jameson will also return to suit up for the Black Caps.
Williamson sustained a hamstring injury during the recent home Twenty20 series win over Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Jameson returns from his back injury.
NZ Test squad
Here are the 14 men who will compete in the Test cricket
Tim Southee (captain)
Tom Blundell
Devon Conway
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Tom Latham
Daryl Mitchell
Will O’Rourke
Glenn Phillips
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner
Neil Wagner
Kane Williamson
Will Young.
