New Zealand to square off against South Africa in a two-match Test series in February-March 2022

New Zealand will host the South African side in a two-match Test series that will be held in February and March next year. While the venue for the first Test will be the Cello Basin Reserve, the second rubber will be held at the Hagley Oval.

New Zealand are slated to take on the Indian side in the month of November this year in a three-match T20I series as well as a two-match Test series. In January 2022, the Kiwis will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series.

All these 4 red ball matches will be a part of the second cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC), and New Zealand are currently the world champions in the Test format of the game. After the series against Bangladesh, Kane Williamson and his men will square off against Australia in a limited-overs series that will comprise of 3 ODIs and 1 T20I.

The India series is a crucial part of New Zealand’s World Cup preparations: NZC Chief Executive

And, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), David White said that it was not a straightforward process as far as finalizing the schedule is concerned. White also added that he is delighted at the amount of cricket that the Kiwis will play in the upcoming months. He also said that the series against the Indian side will play a crucial role in helping New Zealand prepare for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

“It hasn’t been a straightforward process and we’ve needed to work through a number of unexpected changes before finalising the arrangements. Having said that, I’m delighted with the volume and quality of the international cricket to be played over the summer, particularly given the importance of, and the relevance connected to these games. The India series is a crucial part of the WHITE FERNS’ World Cup preparations,” said White.

White also said that the four-Test matches that New Zealand will play in the upcoming months are very important in terms of their WTC title defense.

“The four Tests are very important for the BLACKCAPS in terms of their World Test Championship defense. And, as part of the ICC Super League, the BLACKCAPS’ six ODIs carry similar significance,” concluded White.