New Zealand name full-strength squad for South Africa's test series

New Zealands star Rachin Ravindra is all set to play his first test at home since 2022 The Kiwis included his name for the tests against South AfricaRavindra recently at the ICC Awards was crowned as the Emerging Player of the Year He showcased his skills with the willow during the global showpiece held in India last yearBoth teams will clash against each other for the twomatch test series which will start from February 4 till February 17 Both games will be played in Mount Maunganui and HamiltonAlso Read Squash player Joshna Chinappa to receive Padma ShriHaving been brought into the lineup for Henry Nicholls Ravindra is set to bat in the middle order for the first time in his Test career with Will Young providing batting coverMeanwhile New Zealand also included topranked Test batter Kane Williamson in their squad while experienced quick Tim Southee will captain Kiwis during the seriesA squad of 13 will assemble for each Test with pace bowler Will ORourke joining the squad for the second match at Hamiltons Seddon Park and one player coming out of the squad from TaurangaAllrounder Mitch Santner also retains his place in the squad following on from strong contributions with ball and bat in BangladeshAjaz Patel and Ish Sodhi are the other members of the Bangladesh touring squad not included with the selection group seeking a different balance for the conditions expectedThis bilateral series became a huge talking point because South Africa is sending a secondstring side consisting of seven uncapped players including the skipper Neil BrandNew Zealand coach Gary Stead is looking forward to the series against South Africa anticipating the Proteas to pose a hard challenge to his teamIts an honour to be involved in any Test match and I know the players are looking forward to the start of a big Test summer in what is a big year of Test cricket home and away The Proteas are a highly competitive team across formats and having never won a Test series against them home or away we expect two stern challenges Stead saidHe said it was exciting to have such a range of experience and options in the groupWill ORourke has impressed us in stepping up from domestic cricket to New Zealand A and then international level Rachin Ravindra is another player who has really impressed us with his contributions to the team over the past 12 months in international cricket Weve been particularly pleased with his ability to adapt and learn in different roles he saidStead admitted it was difficult to leave out players like Nicholls Patel and Sodhi but he is pleased with the squads balanceAll three players have made strong contributions to Testwinning performances over the past 14 months But we believe weve struck a good balance between experience and providing opportunities for newer players Stead notedNew Zealand squad Tim Southee Tom Blundell Devon Conway Matt Henry Kyle Jamieson Tom Latham Daryl Mitchell Will ORourke second Test only Glenn Phillips Rachin Ravindra Mitch Santner Neil Wagner Kane Williamson and Will YoungWith ANI Inputs