New Role Awaits CSK's Rachin Ravindra in New Zealand's Test Series Against South Africa
- Posted on January 26, 2024
- Sports
- By Arijit Dutta
- 185 Views
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) reveals a 13-member squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, starting on February 4. CSK's Rachin Ravindra assumes a new middle-order batting role in place of Henry Nicholls. Kane Williamson returns, overcoming a hamstring injury from the T20I series against Bangladesh. The squad includes players with fitness concerns - Williamson, Tom Blundell, and Kyle Jamieson. Tim Southee captains the team, with Gary Stead expressing optimism about Williamson's readiness. South Africa names a fresh squad with seven uncapped players.
In
a strategic move, New
Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled a 13-member squad for the imminent Test
series against South Africa, set to commence on February 4 in Mount Maunganui.
The Blackcaps, led by captain Tim Southee, will host the Proteas in a two-match
series, featuring a notable change in CSK's Rachin Ravindra's role.
Rachin Ravindra, the CSK signee, is poised to embrace a new responsibility by batting in the middle order, marking a significant shift from his previous lower-middle-order positions in the three Test matches he has played so far. If included in the Playing XI, this will be Ravindra's first Test appearance at home since 2022, making the series an exciting opportunity for the budding cricketer.
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Kane
Williamson, the prominent Kiwi batsman, makes a comeback to the squad after a
hiatus due to a hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series against
Bangladesh. Despite fitness concerns, Williamson is included alongside Tom
Blundell and pacer Kyle Jamieson, forming part of the 13-member squad. Southee
captains the side, and the coaching staff, led by Gary Stead, anticipates
Williamson's timely recovery for the Test series.
Stead expresses enthusiasm about the upcoming challenges, acknowledging South Africa's competitiveness across formats. He emphasizes the significance of the Test series in a crucial year of home and away fixtures. South Africa, in turn, unveils a new-look squad featuring seven uncapped players, promising an intriguing clash with the experienced Blackcaps.