New Delhi:
Indian-born opening batsman Jeet Raval has been picked by New Zealand selectors for the upcoming four-Test tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Raval was the only uncapped player named in the 16-man Black Caps’ squad. Not only Raval, Indian-born spinner Ish Sodhi has been recalled after two year absence.
The 27-year-old Raval was a junior player in India before moving to New Zealand with his family in 2004. The opener averages 43.85 in first-class cricket and played for Auckland Aces in the domestic competition.
It will not be cakewalk for Raval as he has to compete for an opening spot with Martin Guptill and Tom Latham. Kiwis are set to play two Tests against Zimbabwe in Harare, starting on July 29 and August 6 respectively. They then go to South Africa for Tests in Durban and Centurion, starting on August 19 and August 27.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (captain)Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling
