Daijiworld Media Network - Wellington
Wellington, Nov 11: New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is set to return to international action after being named in the 14-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, beginning November 19 in Wellington.
Ravindra, who dislocated his right shoulder while attempting a diving catch during a promotional shoot in September, had missed the five-match T20 International series against India and the ongoing five-match One-Day International series.
The top-order batter is among three players working towards regaining full fitness ahead of the opening Test. Batter Devon Conway, who suffered a concussion during a training session in Auckland before the ODI series, and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who is recovering from a quadriceps injury, are also being assessed.
A New Zealand Cricket statement said the three players were working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test.
If selected for both matches, Blundell will reach the milestone of 50 Test appearances.
The squad largely retains the core group that secured a 2-1 away series victory against England in June. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy is the only new addition after missing the England tour while on paternity leave.
Former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will also join the team on Monday as New Zealand's new batting coach, replacing Luke Ronchi. He is expected to arrive three days before the opening Test.
Kane Williamson, who retired midway through the England tour, is not part of the squad. Fast bowlers Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes have also been left out. O'Rourke's workload is being managed ahead of New Zealand's subsequent four-match Test tour of Australia, while Sears and Foulkes are recovering from ankle and hip injuries respectively.
The two-Test series carries significant importance for both sides in their bid to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled for June 2027.
New Zealand currently lead the WTC standings, although South Africa and Australia remain close behind in terms of points percentage. India are placed fourth and face a challenging qualification campaign, with seven Tests remaining in their current cycle, including a five-match home series against Australia.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), 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.