New Zealand Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra makes debut, Williamson opts for 3 spinners as Santner, Wagner sit out – New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has opted to go spin heavy opting to play their very own troika in Kanpur. With the track at Green Park set to offer assistance to spin, Williamson, opted to hand a debut to Rachin Ravindra, while Neil Wagner and Mitchell Santner missed out. Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first on Thursday. Follow Insidesport.in for all New Zealand Playing XI and IND vs NZ LIVE Updates.
New Zealand Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra makes debut, Williamson opts for 3 spinners as Santner, Wagner sit out
New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell(w), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Kyle Jamieson, William Somerville
Kane Williamson at the toss – “We would have batted first as well. But we got the ball in hand first, so it’s important we get some early wickets. Looking forward to this challenge. It’s mixed (the elbow injury), but it’s okay. Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville have done well previously. We are going in with two spinners, two pacers and a spinning all-rounder debut in Rachin Ravindra.”
Rachin Ravindra was presented his cap at last night’s capping ceremony by his @cricketwgtninc teammate Tom Blundell. #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/wuwkpyLDmW
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 25, 2021
Will Young and Tom Blundell are the opening options at Kane Williamson’s disposal. Blundell has previously opened for New Zealand but could be slotted into his preferred middle-order role after the retirement of BJ Watling. Will Young has also chipped in at the top, but is predominantly a No.4, meaning that one of the three will have to bat out of position during the two Tests.
With Devon Conway ruled out, the visiting Blackcaps named Daryl Mitchell as his replacement, who missed out on the Playing XI. Mitchell made a seamless transition from a lower-order hitter to the top order in the T20 World Cup but will haave to wait for his opportunity in the Test whites.
New Zealand Playing XI vs India: Kane Williamson’s big selection headache in absence of Conway – who will open with Tom Latham?
In Trent Boult’s absence, Tim Southee and Kyle will lead the attack, but a decision on the spin combination needs to be taken. Ajaz Patel is the first choice, while Will Sommerville and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra added more depth to their spin options. Neil Wagner and Mitchell Santner, meanwhile will sit out for the game. Jamieson has a good record against India, but the conditions are quite different from what was on offer during India’s tour of New Zealand and the World test Championship final. Jamieson has a good record against India, but the conditions are quite different from what was on offer during India’s tour of New Zealand and the World test Championship final.
New Zealand Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra makes debut, Williamson opts for 3 spinners as Santner, Wagner sit out
New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell(w), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Kyle Jamieson, William Somerville
Editors pick
