New Zealand Announce Squad For Sri Lanka Tests, Drop William Somerville
New Zealand, on Monday, announced their 13-man squad for their upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka. And with pitches at home not being too spinner-friendly, the hosts opted for just one spinner, thus leaving out William Somerville for Ajaz Patel.
Somerville will feel hard done by after his stunning debut against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last week. He earned his call as an injury replacement for leg-spinner Tod Astle. New Zealand, however, benched him for the first two Tests as they preferred Patel and Ish Sodhi. He was finally given a chance to make his debut in the third Test and made a mark straightaway. Somerville went on to claim the fourth-best figures by a New Zealand bowler on debut – 7 for 127.
However, Patel did just slightly better than Somerville to retain his place . Patel was one of New Zealand’s most standout bowlers in UAE. In his very first Test, he picked up 7 for 123 and finished the series with an impressive 13 wickets.
“Ajaz certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he’s a proven performer in New Zealand conditions,” said selector Gavin Larsen. “Will Somerville was an obvious stand-out on debut in the Abu Dhabi decider and it’s great to know we’ve got quality spin bowlers who can create competition for places.
The Black Caps have also called up Will Young as a batting backup after the Central Stags batsman’s impressive show in the ongoing ‘A’ series against India. Young scored a century against India A on Sunday and replaces keeper-batsman Tom Blundell.
“It’s an exciting time for Will Young who has been pushing for higher honours for a while now. He scored hundreds against Pakistan A and India A in recent months and fully deserves his call-up,” said Larsen.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will host Sri Lanka for a full-fledged series. It will get underway with the two-match Test series, starting December 15 in Wellington. Christchurch will host the second Test before both the teams take on each other in three ODIs. The tour will conclude with the one-off T20I on January 11.
New Zealand Test squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Will Young
