Michael Bracewell (L) celebrates an England wicket falling during a test at Wellington's Basin Reserve. Photo: photosport
Michael Bracewell is set to end an 18-month injury-enforced absence from test cricket following his inclusion in a spin-heavy Black Caps squad to tour the sub-continent next month.
Spin bowling allrounder Bracewell is part of a settled 15-strong squad, led by captain Tim Southee, named to play Afghanistan in a one-off test in Noida, India from 9 September before two tests in Sri Lanka.
Pace bowlers Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears have also been included and are set for their first overseas test experiences after making their debuts in the longer form earlier this year.
Black Caps pace bowler Will O'Rourke Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The first-ever test against Afghanistan will come six months after the New Zealand side last pulled on the whites, in the 2-0 home series loss to Australia.
Likely spin-friendly conditions have played a part in the inclusion of spin options in left-arm tweakers Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra, along with the right-arm off-spin of Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.
It comes at the expense of seamer Scott Kuggeleijn, who is omitted from the squad swept by Australia.
After spending more than a year out with an achilles injury and a broken finger, 33-year-old Bracewell returned to New Zealand duty for the Twenty20 tour of Pakistan in April and he played one match in the failed T20 World Cup campaign in the United States and West Indies in June.
O'Rourke is retained after impressing with nine wickets on test debut against South Africa before playing the first test against Australia in Wellington.
He injured his groin and was replaced by fellow-quick Sears, whose test debut came in the second match against the Australians in Christchurch, where he took four second-innings scalps.
Ben Sears. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson wasn't considered as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.
Coach Gary Stead said it was exciting to include two rising pacemen and to welcome back eight-test veteran Bracewell.
"It's always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of test cricket in the sub-continent," Stead said.
"Michael's had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the Black Caps across all three formats.
"His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka."
New Zealand player Michael Bracewell celebrates Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Stead indicated veteran seamer Southee, 35, may not play all three tests.
"Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity," Stead said.
"While we're going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.
"Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served."
A dejected Tim Southee of the Black Caps after losing the Second Cricket Test Match against Australia, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Opener Devon Conway missed both Australia tests with a thumb injury but is fit again and will likely be at the top of a settled top order, also comprising vice-captain Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, with Tom Blundell taking the gloves and Will Young providing the batting cover.
The September tour begins a busy period of cricket for the test side, with three matches scheduled in India across October and November, before England arrive for three pre-Christmas tests on New Zealand soil.
Black Caps test squad:
Tim Southee (captain), Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Ben Sears
