New Zealand named a strong squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. These two matches will be part of the ICC 2023-25 Championship cycle which would be important for both teams. New Zealand and South Africa will be playing their 2nd Test series in this cycle. Kiwis drew 1-1 with Bangladesh in Bangladesh while South Africa drew with India in 2 2-match Test series at home.
Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has been included. Rachin Ravindra will be a part of the squad for the series. The team will be led by experienced Tim Southee. The batting department looks strong with the likes of Will Young, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. Will O Rourke will make his debut in the second Test at Hamilton.
Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson would be pace bowling options for this series. Mitchell Santer would be a genuine spin bowling option while Rachin Ravindra would consist of a part-time option. It promises to be an exciting series as New Zealand would be looking to play attacking cricket against the inexperienced South African team that has 8 uncapped players for the Test series.
“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,” he said. “It’s an honor 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.”
It promises to be an exciting series as New Zealand will be chasing their maiden Test series win over South Africa. The challenges will be there but the experienced Kiwi side would be backing themselves to beat this weakened South African team led by Neil Brand.
New Zealand will play the first Test match at Bay Oval, Mount Manuagai from 4th Feb onwards while the second fixture will be at Seddon Park, Hamilton from 13th Feb onwards.
New Zealand Test squad for the series against South Africa
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (WK), Mitchell Santer, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson.
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