Boult returns for India Tests, Santner, Raval dropped

Trent Boult has returned to the New Zealand Test side for the two-match series against India, as has Ajaz Patel, the left-arm spinner.

Boult has been out of action since injuring his right hand during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. He missed the final Test of that series as well as the limited-overs leg of the India tour earlier this month.

He will join Tim Southee and Neil Wagner in the pace attack, as well as the uncapped Kyle Jamieson, who has been called up to the Test squad for the first time after impressing in the domestic circuit.

Jamieson made his international debut earlier this month during the ODIs against India, scoring 25* and picking 2/42 in the second ODI, a performance which earned him the Player of the Match award.

However, there was no place in the squad for Mitchell Santner, with Patel taking his place. Santner was handed a drubbing during the three-Test series against Australia, and then struggled in the limited-overs leg of the India series.

There was also no place for opener Jeet Raval and paceman Matt Henry. Raval failed to produce a performance of note in the last three series for New Zealand, aggregating 106 runs from 10 innings that included six single-digit scores and a highest of 33.

“With a squad of 13,” said coach Gary Stead, “we’ve put a priority on balance and making sure we have the needed variety and different options depending on the pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve.”

The first Test will begin in Wellington on Friday, 21 February.

Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell.

Dhaka/Mukul