New Zealand Cricket announced a 15 member squad for their first test against South Africa.
NZ vs SA 2022
The squad saw some jaw-dropping inclusions, with Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner been included in new Zealand’s test squad for the first time. Colin de Grandhomme & Hamish Rutherford were also recalled to the Test squad. Cam Fletcher received his maiden call up to the National team while Tickner has already been featured in eight t20Is for New Zealand.
Tom Latham will continue to lead the team as Kane Williamson is yet to recover from his prolonged elbow injury. Trent Boult will miss the first test as he is on paternity leave for his third child. At the same time, Ajaz Patel, who has suffered a left calf injury, will possibly be available for the second test provided that the conditions are in favour of including a spinner, stated NZ’s media release.
A consistent performer in domestic cricket, Tickner has been amongst the top five wicket-takers in the last seasons of the Plunket Shield. Rutherford will return to the Test squad, having last played test cricket in January 2015. Tickner has amassed tons of domestic cricket runs to become the second-highest run-scorer in last year’s Plunket Shield’s season after returning with 588 runs in eight matches. In comparison, he has amassed 370 runs in four games in the ongoing season. Fletcher scored 473 runs last season at an average of 78.83, while he has scored 344 runs at an average of 86 in the current Plunket season.
“Injuries and COVID have forced us to be flexible, and I’m really excited with the squad picked,” said head coach Gary Stead. “I’d like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad and also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up. Cam has been excellent across the three formats for Canterbury over the past couple of seasons, producing consistent and often match-winning performances for his team. This will be a great opportunity for him to come into the BLACKCAPS environment and soak up the experience as much as he can.”
“Blair’s been a consistent performer in the Plunket Shield over the past few seasons, and we felt his pace, bounce, and aggression covered our bases should we lose a pace bowler to injury. It’s pleasing to see Colin back in the Test side; he proved such an influential member before his foot injury last season. His form of late shows he’s clearly benefited from simply getting back on the park consistently, and it’s great to have his all-around skills and experience to call on. It’s a fascinating time for Hamish to be back in the BLACKCAPS after a long time away, and I know he’s absolutely buzzing at the opportunity ahead,” added Stead.
The first test of the two-match test series between New Zealand & South Africa will commence on February 17, while the second match of the series will be played from February 25, with both games set to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
NZ vs SA 2022, New Zealand first test squad
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.