New Zealand has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match red-ball series against India, which gets underway in Wellington on November 19. The roster features the anticipated returns of key personnel including Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Tom Blundell following recent injury layoffs. From the squad that won 2-1 against England earlier this year, Ben Sears (ankle injury), Zak Foulkes (hip injury), and Will O’Rourke (return-to-play programme) miss out, along with Kane Williamson who retired midway duri. New Zealand Test squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Ravindra previously suffered a right shoulder dislocation during a promotional media session prior to the T20I fixtures against India, causing him to sit out the entire white-ball campaign. Meanwhile, Conway worked his way back from a concussion sustained right before the opening ODI encounter, and Blundell successfully recovered from a quadricep strain.
Squad Changes and Key Absences
- Ben Sears is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained previously.
- Zak Foulkes misses selection because of a hip problem.
- Will O’Rourke is currently unavailable while undergoing a formal return-to-play rehabilitation programme.
- Kane Williamson is absent after retiring from international duties midway through the team’s successful tour of England earlier this year.
- Fast bowler Jacob Duffy earns a recall to the national setup under the leadership of designated captain Tom Latham.
Coaching Updates and Fixture Schedule
The upcoming campaign also marks the official commencement for newly appointed batting coach B.J.
Watling, who officially steps into his role on November 16. Head coach Rob Walter expressed enthusiasm regarding the upcoming fixtures, noting that the selection group maintains strong continuity from the side that triumphed 2. Walter highlighted that the team faces ten upcoming red-ball assignments leading up to March, keeping World Test Championship points firmly in focus.
