Guptill will not feature in the Test series against Pakistan
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
New Zealand have omitted opening batsman Martin Guptill from their Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan.
Guptill failed to impress during the Black Caps’ three-Test series in India, which they lost 3-0, as he scored 159 runs at an average of 26.50.
Guptill, though, was not the only player that was dropped as wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, pace bowler Doug Bracewell and spinners Ish Sodhi and Jeetan Patel also failed to make the cut.
Having axed numerous players from the squad, New Zealand have brought in the uncapped pair of Jeet Raval and Colin de Grandhomme, along with all-rounder Todd Astle, who played his only Test match in November 2012. Astle will provide support with his spin bowling since fellow all-rounder Mitchell Santner was ruled out of the first Test with a broken wrist.
Raval, who is set to take Guptill’s place on the batting order, has played in 70 first-class matches and has scored 5156 runs at an average of 43.69.
De Grandhomme, meanwhile, has featured in 83 first-class matches and amassed 4308 runs at an average of 35.90. The 30-year-old has represented New Zealand in one ODI and four Twenty20 Internationals, but like Astle, he has not played international cricket since 2012.
“There were a number of tough calls and when naming a squad of 13 it’s a challenge to make sure we get the balance right. Jeet (Raval) has been in the picture for a while now and he benefited from spending time in the environment during the tour of Africa,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “Since Colin returned from injury last season, he’s made a number of key contributions with bat and ball. He’s made an impressive start to the current Plunket Shield season and he provides us with another strong all-rounder option.
“Todd’s been incredibly consistent at the domestic level, having been one of the top four wicket-takers in the Plunket Shield for the past three seasons.”
New Zealand Test Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.