Among the several spinners in New Zealand’s squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh later this month are Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. While Ravindra, one of the stars of the current World Cup, hasn’t worn the New Zealand whites since the home series against Bangladesh in January 2022, Santner played the final 24 Tests of his career in 2021.
Santner, who took 15 wickets at an average of 26.00 during a stellar Plunkett Shield season, joins a spin squad that also includes Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi. The all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Ravindra provide captain Tim Southee with more alternatives for spin. Sam Wells, the selector, stated, “We think we have a squad that can compete and succeed in Bangladesh.”
Luke Ronchi will be in charge of the coaching staff for the Black Caps’ first assignment in the 2023–25 World Test Championship cycle. Gary Stead, the normal coach, will return home following the World Cup to get ready for the home summer. Rochi will have help from batting coach Daniel Flynn, spin bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq, and pace bowling coach Jacob Oram. On November 21, the squad will take a plane to Bangladesh.
The following players are in the New Zealand Test Squad: Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Tim Southee (captain).