(Reuters) – New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been rewarded for his fine white ball form at the World Cup with a recall to the New Zealand squad for the two-test tour of Bangladesh in November and December.
The 23-year-old, who has scored three centuries at the World Cup, played the last of his three tests almost two years ago but takes his place in a spin-heavy squad for the matches in Sylhet and Dhaka.
Left-armer Mitchell Santner also earned a recall two years after his last test to join Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the specialist spinners, while Ravindra and his fellow all-rounder Glenn Phillips offer more slow-bowling options.
Kyle Jamieson, who had back surgery in February, is one of three quicks in the squad along with skipper Tim Southee and Matt Henry. Trent Boult made himself unavailable for the series as New Zealand tour Bangladesh for the first time in 10 years.
“We’ve selected a squad we think can compete and succeed in Bangladesh,” selector Sam Wells said in a news release.
“With Ajaz, Ish, Mitch, Glenn and Rachin, we have a strong spin group that will offer good variety and options during the series.”
Luke Ronchi will coach the team with Gary Stead heading back to New Zealand after the World Cup to prepare for the home summer.
The first test starts at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Nov. 28.
Squad: Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell, 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
