Spin Kings Return: New Zealand’s Spin-Heavy Squad Announced for Bangladesh Test Series
New Delhi, Nov 7 – In anticipation of spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, New Zealand has unveiled a Test squad featuring the return of notable spinners Kyle Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner. The team, set to embark on a two-Test series against Bangladesh starting from November 28th, aims to make its mark in challenging subcontinent conditions.
Mitchell Santner, who last played for the Kiwis in 2021 against England at Lord’s, returns to the Test side, joining Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the primary spin bowlers. Santner’s selection follows an impressive Plunket Shield season for Northern Districts in 2022/23, where the 31-year-old claimed 15 wickets at an average of 26 and showed prowess with the bat, averaging 52.
The spin options are further enriched with the inclusion of off-spinning all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips. Both players have earned their spots with remarkable performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells emphasized that the squad was meticulously selected with the touring conditions in mind. “We’ve selected a squad we think can compete and succeed in Bangladesh,” said Wells. “With Ajaz, Ish, Mitch, Glenn, and Rachin, we have a strong spin group that will offer good variety and options during the series. Mitch had a strong second half of the Plunket Shield campaign last summer and has made significant progress in his red-ball bowling. He brings a wealth of experience in subcontinent conditions and adds depth to the batting lineup as a genuine all-rounder.”
Wells added that Rachin Ravindra, with his left-arm orthodox spin, has shown considerable improvement over the past 18 months with the ball, and his batting performances at the World Cup speak for themselves.
The return of Kyle Jamieson to the Test squad is also a notable development. After undergoing back surgery in February, the 28-year-old pace-bowler joins captain Tim Southee and Matt Henry in a formidable three-man pace attack. Jamieson’s impressive record includes 72 wickets at an average of 19 in just 16 Tests, making him the fastest New Zealander to reach 50 Test wickets (in nine Tests) and earning him the Player of the Match title in the successful ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
The Test series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship for the Blackcaps. The coaching team will be led by Luke Ronchi, as regular head coach Gary Stead returns to prepare for New Zealand’s busy home summer. Ronchi’s coaching staff includes bowling coaches Jacob Oram (pace) and Saqlain Mushtaq (spin), along with Daniel Flynn, who joins as the batting coach for the first time.
The New Zealand Test squad for the Bangladesh series includes:
- Tim Southee ©
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Devon Conway
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Tom Latham
- Daryl Mitchell
- Henry Nicholls
- Ajaz Patel
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Ish Sodhi
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
The last time Bangladesh hosted New Zealand in a Test series was in 2013, and the two-match series ended in a draw (0-0).
Bangladesh v New Zealand Test Series Schedule:
- Two-day warm-up match – 23-24 November – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
- 1st Test – 28 November – 2 December – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
- 2nd Test – 6-10 December – Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
In summary, New Zealand’s spin-heavy squad for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series promises an exciting competition and the potential for impressive performances in subcontinental conditions. The team’s strong focus on spin bowlers reflects a strategic approach tailored to the challenges they expect to face. With Kyle Jamieson’s return, the Kiwis are set to unleash a formidable pace attack as well, making the series an enticing prospect for cricket fans.
