New Zealand will now turn their attention to their forthcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh following their devastating exit from the current ODI World Cup in 2023. On Tuesday, November 28, the Black Caps will play their first Test match against Bangladesh while traveling to Sylhet. Pacer Neil Wagner will take Matt Henry’s place in the Black Caps’ selection for the two-match Test series; it was revealed ahead of time, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Henry participated in the ODI World Cup for New Zealand, but the 31-year-old will not be able to play against Bangladesh due to an injury he sustained in a match against South Africa on November 1. Not to mention, Wagner, who last featured in Test matches against Sri Lanka in March 2023, will be joining the squad after missing the last two Plunkett Shield rounds.
Since this is the opening Test of the most recent World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in 2023, New Zealand will be eager to win and have a strong start to the series.
It will be wonderful to have Neil Wagner ability. Sam Wells
Sam Wells, a selector for New Zealand, spoke up regarding Neil Wagner’s selection in the Test team. He praised the 37-year-old’s skill and expressed excitement for the challenges ahead, particularly given the sub-continental circumstances. Wagner’s extensive expertise is therefore something the Black Caps selectors are hoping to rely on for the forthcoming away tour.
“Having Neil on the Bangladesh tour will be fantastic; his track record speaks for itself and we all know how fierce a competitor he is. ESPNcricinfo quotes Sam Wells as stating, “I know he’s really excited by the challenge ahead. He’s played plenty of cricket in the subcontinent.”
New Zealand squad:
Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Neil Wagner, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and captain Tim Southee
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