New Zealand Cricket has announced a near full-strength 14-player squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India despite the injury concerns. The announcement features key players Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell despite ongoing fitness issues. Captain Tom Latham will lead the side as the Black Caps prepare to host India in what promises to be a crucial ICC World Test Championship encounter.
The squad closely resembles the group that secured a memorable 2-1 series victory in England earlier this year. It features Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, 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. Notable inclusions are Conway, Ravindra and Blundell, all of whom are recovering from injuries and aiming to be available for the opening Test.
New Zealand announce strong squad for India Tests despite injury concerns; who’s in and who’s out?
Conway is progressing from a concussion sustained in a training-ground collision with pace bowler Matt Henry ahead of the ongoing ODI series. On the other hand, Ravindra has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder while attempting a diving catch during a promotional shoot in September, causing him to miss both the T20I and ODI legs of India’s tour. Blundell is working his way back from a quadriceps injury that has limited him to just one domestic appearance since June.
New Zealand Cricket stated that the trio “are working through their respective injuries and aiming to be available for the first Test.” Should Blundell feature in both matches, he will reach the landmark of 50 Test appearances. The most crucial absence is that of former captain Kane Williamson, who retired from international cricket in June midway through the England series. The batting great brought an end to a distinguished career that saw him become New Zealand’s leading run-scorer across formats.
Fast bowlers Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip) and Will O’Rourke (workload management ahead of the subsequent Australia tour) also miss out. Jacob Duffy returns to the group after missing the England tour on paternity leave. Meanwhile, the series begins with the first Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington from 19 to 24 November, followed by the second at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from 27 November to 2 December. Both teams sit in strong positions in the World Test Championship table, with New Zealand currently second behind South Africa and India in fourth.
Points from this tournament will play a very vital role in the race to reach the 2027 final. Head coach Rob Walter has spoken of the continuity in selection and the benefit of expected strong home crowds after positive attendances during the white-ball matches. Newly appointed batting coach BJ Watling is due to join the squad shortly before the first Test, replacing Luke Ronchi.
How crucial is the Test for India?
For India, the tour represents another stern examination of their red-ball credentials on foreign soil following recent results. New Zealand will look to build on their recent successes, including a historic series win in England and strong home performances in previous years, as they enter a new chapter without Williamson’s vast experience. The Black Caps head into the series with confidence and depth, though the fitness of their key recovery players will be closely monitored in the coming days.
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