Following his absence due to a hamstring issue during New Zealand’s 4-1 victory over Pakistan in their recent home Twenty20 series, Williamson has returned to the Black Caps.
Star batsmen Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson were chosen on Friday to the New Zealand squad for the two-match home Test series against an inexperienced South Africa team, which begins next week.
Following his absence due to a hamstring issue during New Zealand’s 4-1 victory over Pakistan in their recent home T20 series, Williamson is back with the Black Caps.
Rising talent Ravindra will replace 32-year-old veteran Henry Nicholls in the middle order. Ravindra recently won the International Cricket Council’s emerging player of the year award.
“It was an extremely difficult choice. Henry has participated in 56 Test matches as a member of the team. It hurts to leave a guy out, but we felt it was time for Rachin,” stated New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
“We feel he will succeed at this point in his career because we are aware of his talent.”
After earning his Test debut against India in 2021, Ravindra, 24, will be playing in just his fourth match. Kyle Jamieson, a pace bowler, is also returned following a back ailment.
The team has included uncapped seamer Will O’Rourke, who may make his debut on February 13 in the second Test in Hamilton.
Starting on February 4 at Mount Maunganui, the first match pits hosts New Zealand against the Proteas in an attempt to win a Test series for the first time ever.
Having committed the majority of their first-choice players to their home Twenty20 competition, South Africa has picked an inexperienced side.
Neil Brand, the captain, and eight other members of the 15-man Proteas team have never played in a Test match. With 15 appearances, fast bowler Duanne Olivier holds the record for most Test experience.
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.
