New Zealand’s CSK signee will take on a new role in the Test series against South Africa

A 13-person team has been named by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the next Test series against South Africa. A two-match series between the Blackcaps and Proteas will begin at Mount Maunganui on February 4. Interestingly, Rachin Ravindra of CSK will have a new position in the Test series.

Rachin Ravindra would be playing his first Test match at home since 2022 if he was included in the playing eleven. Henry Nicholls will be replaced by him in a new position as he bats in the middle order for the first time in his career. Only three Test matches, all in the bottom middle order, hath he played thus far. Notably, Ravindra was selected for 1.8 crore Indian rupees by the Chennai Super Kings, an IPL team, at the IPL 2024 mini-auction.

The return of Kane Williamson
Notably, Kane Williamson was selected for the declared team. Williamson played a limited role in the Twenty20 International Series against Bangladesh, however he was forced to miss the remainder of the five-match series due to a hamstring injury sustained in the second T20I. He is one of the other players who has been selected for the Test team despite having fitness concerns.

For the home series, New Zealand has named a 13-man roster that includes pacer Kyle Jamieson, Tom Blundell, and Williamson, all of whom are dealing with fitness concerns. Under Tim Southee’s direction, Rachin Ravindra Beginning at Mount Maunganui on February 4, the Proteas will embark on a two-match Test series on the Australian subcontinent. Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, expressed optimism that Williamson will recover in time for the Test series prior to the selection announcement.

Stead said upon the release of the team that the players will be anticipating the Test series. “It’s an honor to be a part of any Test match, and I know the players are excited for the beginning of a busy summer of Test cricket, both at home and abroad. We anticipate two tough tests from the Proteas, as they are a very competitive squad in all forms and we have never prevailed in a Test series against them at home or away,” Stead said before to the series. Notably, seven players without caps have been included to South Africa’s new-look team.

The following players represent New Zealand: Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Will O’Rourke (for the second Test only).