New Zealand reveal squad for home Test series against India
The Black Caps have unveiled a full-strength squad for the visit of India.
New Zealand have named a strong squad for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India.
Experienced skipper Tom Latham will captain the side across the two-match series that commences in Wellington on 19 November, while the Black Caps have included Tom Blundell (quadricep), Devon Conway (concussion) and Rachin Ravindra (shoulder) in their 14-player group despite the fact the trio are battling some injury concerns.
The two fixtures will be the first time the two nations have battled it out at Test level since New Zealand registered an upset 3-0 triumph over India in the sub-continent in 2024, with both sides still in the race for next year's World Test Championship Final at The Oval.
New Zealand currently sit in second place on the standings behind only first-placed South Africa, while India lie in fourth place with reigning runners up Australia in front of them in third.
The Black Caps' squad is similar to the one that took on England away from home in the middle of the year, with pacer Jacob Duffy back in the playing group and Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip), and Will O’Rourke the notable absentees.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter knows how important the matches are for the Black Caps as they aim to reach the World Test Championship Final for the first time since they claimed the inaugural mace in 2021.
“This series marks the start of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps,” Walter said.
“The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil.
“We’ve experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we’re really looking forward to having that support during the Tests.
“There are 10 Tests scheduled between now and March, so there’s no shortage of action for red-ball fans.
“Valuable Championship points are on the line of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India."
The day New Zealand became the WTC21 Champions
Full Match Highlights: The key moments from the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 as New Zealand beat India to secure their first WTC mace
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young
Series schedule:
First Test: 19-24 November, Wellington
Second Test:
