Mondiale Auckland Aces player Jeet Raval has been named in the BLACKCAPS Test squad to tour Zimbabwe and South Africa beginning next month.
The side will play two Tests in Harare against Zimbabwe, followed by one each at Durban and Centurion against South Africa.
The 27-year-old Raval has been a consistent performer at the top of the order in the domestic four day competition, with a first-class career average of 43.85. In the 2015-16 season he averaged 55.71, making three centuries and helping lead the Aces to the Plunket Shield title.
He’ll be joined by Ish Sodhi, who is back in the BLACKCAPS Test squad having last appeared for the side in 2014. He joins Mark Craig and Mitchell Santner, to give the side three frontline spin options.
BLACKCAPS Test squad for Africa
Kane Williamson (c), 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.
Coach Mike Hesson said Raval was deserved of his call-up and hailed Sodhi’s ongoing development.
“Jeet has been impressive in the Plunket Shield for a number of years now and in the last 12 months we’ve seen his maturity and decision making continue to improve,” said Hesson.
“He’s learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he’s more than ready to make the step up to the international arena.
“Ish was outstanding in all formats during the second half of last season, beginning with his performances in the Plunket Shield for Northern Districts. He was also exceptional for us with the white ball last summer and that’s seen him gain valuable confidence on the international stage."
Hesson also pointed to the conditions as to how the balance of the squad was decided.
“Having played in both Zimbabwe and South Africa last year, we have some insight into what the pitches could be like this time around and we’ve selected our squad accordingly.
“Playing two Tests in Harare, we need to be prepared for dry turning surfaces, but also know that Durban often has a good covering of grass.”
The team depart on July 11 for an eight day camp in Johannesburg, before the opening Test against Zimbabwe on July 29.
