Sports News : The New Zealand team has to play a Test match against Afghanistan. This match is to be held in Greater Noida, India. After this, the New Zealand team will play a two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Now, New Zealand's Test squad has been announced for this. Tim Southee is responsible for captaincy. Tom Latham has been made the vice-captain. At the same time, star player Michael Bracewell has returned to the team after 18 months. He played the last Test match in March 2023. 

Five spin options kept in the team

15 strong players have been included in the New Zealand squad. The conditions of the Indian subcontinent have always been favourable for spinners. That is why five spin options have been kept in the team. These include Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. Senior players like Devon Conway, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson have been given a place in the team. Tom Blundell has been given the responsibility of wicketkeeper.

Ben Sears is ready for his first overseas tour

Fast bowlers Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears are set for their first overseas Test tour. Both these players have performed well in the recent past. Rourke has taken 11 wickets in his two Test matches. On the other hand, Sears made his Test debut against Australia and took four wickets for 90 runs in the second innings. 

The New Zealand coach said this.

Coach Gary Stead said that it is always great when young people make their place in the team through performance and I know that Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the subcontinent. Michael had to go a long way to recover from his injuries and return to New Zealand in all three formats. His all-round performance will be good for us. Especially in the case when we expect turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand Test squad for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests: 

Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vice-captain), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ejaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.