“It’s great to have Ross back”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh.

Taylor scored 102 not out in his last Test against Pakistan before undergoing eye surgery, which ruled him out of the recent ODI series against Australia and ongoing limited overs series Bangladesh.

After making a full recovery, Taylor made his return in New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition, the Super Smash, and made scores of 82 not out and 80 for Central Districts against Auckland and Canterbury respectively.

“It’s great to have Ross back,” New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. “He has a phenomenal record that speaks for itself and he’s coming off a terrific hundred in his last Test. He’s obviously been an essential part of our Test side for a long time and brings invaluable experience and knowledge to the group.”

Left-arm seamer Trent Boult will also make his Test comeback after missing the second Test against Pakistan in November with a knee injury. Unlike Taylor, Boult featured in the three-match ODI series against Australia and played in two of the three ODIs against Bangladesh.

Along with Boult, New Zealand’s pace attack will also consist of Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner has been picked as the lone spinner, while opener Jeet Raval, batsman Henry Nicholls and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme retained their spots in the side.

“We’ve still got some relatively new players in the squad and playing in home conditions gives them a great opportunity to further their experience on the international stage,” Larsen said.

The two-Test series between New Zealand and Bangladesh will get underway on January 12 in Wellington.

New Zealand Test squad Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk).