Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra Make Comeback As New Zealand Announce Test Squad For Bangladesh Tour

Alongside Santner, the squad includes Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the primary spin bowlers, showing their anticipation of spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh.

Rachin Ravindra in action.

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Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Kyle Jamieson have made their way back into the New Zealand squad as they gear up for the ICC World Test Championship campaign against Bangladesh. The team's selection is leaning towards spin-heavy options, and they've also brought back the star of their 2021 World Test Championship triumph for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh, scheduled to begin later this month. 

Alongside Santner, the squad includes Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi as the primary spin bowlers, showing their anticipation of spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh. Santner, a left-arm orthodox spinner, is currently New Zealand's most effective bowler in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, with 14 wickets to his name. It's worth noting that Santner last appeared in a Test match in 2021, having played a total of 24 Tests to date.

"We've selected a squad we think can compete and succeed in Bangladesh. With Ajaz, Ish, Mitch, Glenn (Phillips), and Rachin, we have a strong spin group that will offer good variety and options during the series,” explained New Zealand selector Sam Wells.

"Mitch had a strong back half of the (domestic) Plunket Shield campaign last summer and has made good strides in his red-ball bowling. He brings a wealth of experience in sub-continent conditions and adds depth to the batting line-up as a genuine all-rounder."

The return of all-rounders Ravindra and Phillips has further strengthened New Zealand's spin department. Both players, who primarily specialize in off-spin, impressed during the Cricket World Cup in India, earning their spots in the Test squad.

Ravindra, who shone with three centuries during the Cricket World Cup, is set to make his Test comeback, having last played against Bangladesh at Bay Oval in January 2022.

Glenn Phillips, known for his dynamic performances in white-ball cricket, has limited Test experience, featuring in just one Test match for New Zealand against Australia at the SCG in 2020. However, his inclusion in the touring Test squad in Pakistan last December indicates the team's interest in his versatile skills.