Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra are part of a strong spin contingent in New Zealand’s squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh scheduled to be played later this month. Santner played the last of his 24 Tests in 2021 while Ravindra, one of the stars of the ongoing World Cup, hasn’t donned the New Zealand whites since the home series against Bangladesh in January 2022.
Santner, who enjoyed a strong Plunkett Shield season taking 15 wickets at an average of 26.00, joins a spin unit that also comprises Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi. Glenn Phillips and Ravindra are the all-rounders who provide further spin options for captain Tim Southee. “We’ve selected a squad we think can compete and succeed in Bangladesh,” selector Sam Wells said.
“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 back half of the Plunket Shield campaign last summer and has made good strides in his red-ball bowling. He brings a wealth of experience in sub-continent conditions and adds depth to the batting line-up as a genuine allrounder.
“Rachin brings a left-arm orthodox option and has improved considerably over the past 18 months with the ball – and his performances with the bat at the World Cup speak for themselves. It’s great to be able to call upon the services of Kyle again after a period out of the team and he will bring a different dimension to the pace group.”
New Zealand would seem sufficiently stocked in the seam-bowling department too with Kyle Jamieson returning to the Test squad after undergoing back-surgery in February. He will join Southee and Matt Henry as the three pace options, with Trent Boult making himself unavailable for the tour.
The Black Caps’ first assignment in the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship will feature a coaching team led by Luke Ronchi with regular coach Gary Stead returning home after the World Cup to prepare for the home summer. Ronchi Will be assisted by Jacob Oram (pace bowling coach), Saqlain Mushtaq (spin bowling coach) and Daniel Flynn (batting coach). The squad will fly to Bangladesh on November 21.
