With Zimbabwe set to take on India in a 3 One Day International and 3T20 international at Harare sports club starting on this Saturday, New Zealand have announced their 16 men test squad that will do duty in Harare this July.
The black Caps who have included uncapped, Indian-born batsman Jeet Raval and also re-called Ish Sodhi back into the Test squad while Kane Williamson will captain the squad.
Raval, who is known as the Rahul Dravid of his domestic cricket side in Auckland, has maintained an impressive first-class career average of 43.85.
New Zealand are set to play Zimbabwe in two tests starting on July 29 at Harare Sports Club.
It will be the first time in close to two years that Zimbabwe play a test match having last played against Bangladesh in 2014 where they were white washed 3nill.
Ever since that dismal performance, the chevrons have been focusing on limited overs cricket.
New Zealand will make a first stop in South Africa where they will play the Proteas in two tests.
The black caps’ last visit was in August last year where they beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in the ODIs and won the only T20 match at Harare Sports club.
Zimbabwe will use their limited overs matches against India to prepare for the long format of the game.
New Zealand squad
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, Kane Williamson (c).
