The New Zealand squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against an inexperienced South Africa side was announced on Friday, featuring star batters Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra.
Williamson makes a comeback for the Black Caps after recovering from a hamstring strain that kept him out of the recent home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, where New Zealand secured a 4-1 victory.
Rachin Ravindra, who was recently honoured as the 'Emerging player of the Year' by the International Cricket Council, will be stepping into the middle order, taking the place of the 32-year-old veteran Henry Nicholls.
"It was a very tough decision. Henry has been part of the squad for 56 Tests. Whenever you leave a player out, it weighs heavy, but we felt it's time for Rachin," said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
"We know the talent he is and feel he will make a really good fist of it at this stage in his career."
At 24 years old, Ravindra is set to make only his fourth Test appearance, having debuted against India in 2021. Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson is also making a return after recovering from a back injury.
In the second Test in Hamilton, scheduled to start on February 13, the squad will see the inclusion of uncapped seamer Will O'Rourke, potentially marking his debut.
The opening game is slated to begin on February 4 at Mount Maunganui, as New Zealand aim for their first-ever Test series win against South Africa.
South Africa, on the other hand, have opted for an inexperienced squad, with most of their key players committed to domestic Twenty20 competitions.
Eight players out of the 15-man Proteas squad are yet to feature in Test cricket, with captain Neil Brand included in that category. Among them, fast bowler Duanne Olivier brings the most Test experience with 15 appearances.
New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
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