Wellington [New Zealand]: All-rounder Jimmy Neesham and off-spinner Jeetan Patel have been recalled to the 13-man Test squad for the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa beginning March 8 in Dunedin.
Patel, who made a return to the Test squad after a gap of nearly four years against India last year, has been called up at the expense of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.
Reflecting on Patel’s inclusion, national selector Gavin Larsen said the former brings a huge amount of experience to the team and gives the side the required balance.
“Jeetan brings the ability to spin the ball away from the left-handers, which complements our other spinner in Mitchell Santner nicely. He brings a huge amount of experience to the team and gives us the balance of having two front-line spin options,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Larsen as saying.
Neil Wagner, who has recovered fully from a finger injury he sustained in early February, has also been named in the Test squad.
Meanwhile, Matt Henry and Dean Brownlie, who both were part of the successful two-match Test series against Bangladesh in January, have been left out for the upcoming series.
The New Zealand squad is as follows:
Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling. (ANI)