New Zealand Announce Squad For Bangladesh Tests

New Zealand have picked Todd Astle ahead of Ajaz Patel in their 13-man squad for the forthcoming  three-Test series against Bangladesh at home. Astle has played just three Tests so far since his debut in 2012. His last Test appearance was against England last year before injury sidelined him for the second Test in the series. Another setback then saw him miss the historic Test series win against Pakistan in UAE.

Patel had made his debut during that very tour. On his debut in Abu Dhabi, he had picked up 5 for 59 to help bowl New Zealand to a four-run victory. However, as the series progressed, he failed to build on his debut performance. Patel managed to take just six further wickets in his next four outings but New Zealand went on to win the series 2-1.

“It’s great though to have Todd fit again and we’re keen to see what his wrist-spin can offer in New Zealand conditions, and he’ll also bolster the batting,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “The spinning position has been the only real area we’ve changed and that’s been largely dependent on conditions and injuries.

“We’re in a fortunate position having a number of high-quality spinners available, and it’s a tough call on Ajaz who was a star of the UAE tour,” he added.

The rest of the squad is unchanged from the one that played against Sri Lanka. Will Young has retained his spot while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner continues to miss out owing to his ongoing recovery from a knee surgery.

The first of the three Tests starts on February 28 in Hamilton before the series moves to Wellington and Christchurch. New Zealand will be high on confidence going into the series after the thumping 3-0 win over the visitors in the recently-concluded ODIs.

New Zealand squad:

Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Will Young