Rachin Ravindra to play in middle-order in forthcoming Test series against South Africa

New Zealand’s Test squad against South Africa declared with Tim Southee as their captain. The matches are set to happen in New Zealand and for the first time in two years, Rachin Ravindra will play a Test match at his home ground. Up until now, Ravindra has not had a chance to play a Test match in New Zealand. Finally, after a long wait, he will be representing his national team but this time he’s got a new role.

As Henry Nicholas will be missing out on the first two Tests, Ravindra is set to replace him in the middle overs. Ravindra won the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ at the international awards. He made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2021 against India in India. He played in both the Test matches that happened in Kanpur and Mumbai.

Even after being selected in the New Zealand team for the Bangladesh series, Ravindra did not get a chance in the playing XI. With Nicholas missing out, it might be a great chance for him to score some runs to set a permanent foot in the Test team. The team declared is for the two Test matches between New Zealand and South Africa which will start from February 4.

‘It was pleasing as a selector to see different players…’ – Head coach Gary Stead happy about the team selection

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is quite happy after the team selection. As a coach, he appreciated his team on a good series against Bangladesh and is waiting to see the boys back in action for the South Africa series. Stead is impressed by Rachin Ravindra as he adapts to the situations quickly and plays accordingly. The series is a comeback series for Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson who were injured for a long time. The Test match will start on February 4.

Stead said, “It was pleasing as a selector to see different players making contributions during the recent series in Bangladesh. Rachin Ravindra is another player who has really impressed us with his contributions to the team over the past 12 months in international cricket. We’ve been particularly pleased with his ability to adapt and learn in different roles.”