New Zealand have named three uncapped players – Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy – in their 20-man squad for the tour of England. Doug Bracewell returns to the Test side after five years.
Ravindra smashed a couple of fine tons for New Zealand’ A’ against West Indies in late 2020 while Duffy has constantly been knocking on the door with his performances across formats in domestic cricket.
“We’re absolutely delighted for Rachin and Jacob. I’ve seen first-hand how hard these guys have worked in our NZC winter training squads and with New Zealand A, and so for them to earn their maiden Test call-ups for such a special tour will be really satisfying,” New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead was quoted saying.
Conway, who has been incredibly consistent in all three formats in domestic cricket, made his international debut in the 2020-21 home summer and has been super impressive in the white-ball formats. The South Africa-born left-hander has smashed 473 runs at an average of 59.12 in 14 T20Is and has made 225 runs in three ODIs. He was also called up as cover for Kane Williamson in the Test side in December 2020.
Doug Bracewell, who last played a Test match back in August 2016, returns to the squad after his consistent performances in the Plunket Shield. Ajaz Patel also makes a comeback after injury and is a part of the three-pronged left-arm spin attack, which includes Ravindra and Mitchell Santner.
Four members of this Test squad – Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner are a part of the Indian Premier League. They will be available as and when their respective franchises are knocked out, and it could also mean that they might miss the first Test from June 2. The IPL finals are scheduled to be held on May 30.
Squad: Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young
