New Zealand Announces Squad for Upcoming Test Series Against India

New Zealand's Squad for the Test Series

Wellington, New Zealand - November 11: Key players Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Tom Blundell have been named in New Zealand's squad for the upcoming home Test series against India, despite facing injury issues. This series holds significant importance as both teams vie for crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

The two-match Test series is set to commence on November 19, with the first match taking place in Wellington, followed by the second match in Christchurch starting November 27.

Tom Latham, the seasoned captain, will lead the team throughout this series. Notably, Blundell (quadricep), Conway (concussion), and Ravindra (shoulder) are included in the 14-player squad, even as they contend with their respective injuries.

This series marks the first Test encounter between New Zealand and India since the Black Caps achieved a surprising 3-0 victory over India in the subcontinent back in 2024. Both teams are currently in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship Final at The Oval next year.

New Zealand is currently positioned second in the WTC standings, trailing only South Africa, while India occupies the fourth spot, with Australia, the reigning runners-up, in third.

The squad for New Zealand closely resembles the one that faced England earlier this year, with pacer Jacob Duffy returning to the lineup. However, notable absentees include Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip), and Will O'Rourke (managed).

Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, acknowledges the significance of these matches as the Black Caps aim to qualify for the World Test Championship Final for the first time since winning the inaugural title in 2021.

Walter expressed, “This series marks the beginning of an exciting summer of Test cricket for the Black Caps. The squad remains largely unchanged from our tour of England, and we are eager to replicate that success on home turf. We have enjoyed fantastic crowds during the white-ball series, and we look forward to that support during the Tests.”

He added, “With 10 Tests scheduled between now and March, red-ball cricket fans have plenty to look forward to. While valuable Championship points are at stake, our primary focus is on delivering our best performance against a formidable opponent like India.”

New Zealand's squad includes: 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, and Will Young.