Jeetan Patel and James Neesham recalled to New Zealand Test squad

Jeetan Patel and James Neesham have been picked for the New Zealand Test squad for the first Test match against South Africa. Both Patel and Neesham were massively impressive in the ODI series and were a big part in ensuring a New Zealand fightback and where the series stands at 2-2. However, despite all of this, Martin Guptill has been left out of the Test side for the upcoming series given his recent form in red-ball cricket.

Gavin Larsen, the chief of selectors in the New Zealand panel went ahead and stated that Jimmy Neesham had impressed so far and that it was indeed an improvement in his game. He also added that Neesham would be playing in familiar conditions in Otago when the time came for him to shine.

“Jimmy has impressed so far this summer and we’ve seen improvement in his game,” Larsen said. “He gives us another option and is also very familiar with the conditions at University of Otago Oval.”

With Dean Brownlie and Matt Henry missing from the side, the Kiwis have welcomed back Neil Wagner into the grand scheme of things. Wagner had been one of those players missing from the grand scheme of things after sustaining an injury. However, Larsen added that Wagner’s hard work has indeed paid off and he is fit to play the Proteas in the first Test match.

“Having Neil back and available is fantastic news for us. Neil’s been our leading wicket-taker in recent times and is a key player for us,” Larsen said. “He’s worked extremely hard to get himself ready for the series and we expect him to be fit and ready to go come the first Test.”

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New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling