NEW DELHI: New Zealand have announced their squad for the two-Test series against India, with Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell making the cut despite fitness concerns. All three players are hoping to be ready for the opening Test next week.The opening Test will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19. The second match will take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27.
Conway, Ravindra and Blundell race against time
Conway suffered a concussion following a collision with fast bowler Matt Henry during a training session before the ODI series against India. The opener is now trying to regain full fitness before the first Test.Ravindra, meanwhile, has not played since dislocating his shoulder during a promotional shoot in September. The all-rounder suffered the injury while attempting a diving catch. As a result, he missed both the ODI and T20I series against India.Blundell is also working his way back to fitness. The wicketkeeper-batter is recovering from a quadricep injury and has featured in just one domestic match since June.
Changes to the squad after England tour
New Zealand’s last Test assignment was against England in June, where they won the series 2-1. Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket after that series. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been added to the squad for the India Tests. Meanwhile, all-rounder Zak Foulkes and pacers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears have missed out due to injuries.Head coach Rob Walter said the team would aim to build on its success in England.“The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil,” Walter said.“We’ve experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we’re really looking forward to having that support during the Tests.”
New Zealand squad for India Tests
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.
