NZ vs SA: New Zealand Squad for South Africa Test Announced, Kane Williamson returns | New Zealand vs South Africa Test Schedule

NZ vs SA: New Zealand Squad for South Africa Test: New Zealand's full-strength test squad for the two-match test series against South Africa has been announced by the host cricket board. The New Zealand squad features the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and Devon Conway among others.

Kane Williamson is set to return to the international circuit after having missed the last three-game T20I series against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury.

Young batter Rachin Ravindra has also managed to find a spot for himself in the New Zealand test squad. The batter is set to replace Henry Nicholls in the middle-order. Ravindra made his test debut against India back in November 2021, however, the batter has only managed to play three test matches since. His last test appearance came against Bangladesh in January 2022.

"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," said Gary Stead, New Zealand coach.

The BlackCaps have handed a maiden test call-up to Will O'Rourke for the second test match in Hamilton. The fast bowler is widely touted as a clone of lanky all-rounder Kyle Jamieson.

"Will O'Rourke has impressed us in stepping up from domestic cricket to New Zealand A and then international level," he said.

The New Zealand vs South Africa test series begins on February 04 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The second test will be held at Seddon Park, Hamilton, starting February 13.

Owing to the conditions on offer, the Kiwis have dropped the likes of Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel. The two spinners were present in New Zealand's Bangladesh tour, last November-December.

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Mitchell Santner has managed to retain his spot in the test side after riding on the back of some strong performances in Bangladesh last year.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead is looking forward to an exciting two-game test series against South Africa and also hopes that the visitors pose a strong challenge in front of his side.

"It's an honour to be involved in any Test match and I know the players are looking forward to the start of a big Test summer - in what is a big year of Test cricket home and away. The Proteas are a highly competitive team across formats and, having never won a Test series against them home or away, we expect two stern challenges," Stead added.

Below is the New Zealand squad for South Africa Test and the complete NZ vs SA Test Schedule:

NZ vs SA: New Zealand Squad for South Africa Test

Tim Southee (c), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Will O'Rourke (second Test only)

NZ vs SA Test Schedule

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