Ravindra returns for Black Caps' Test series against India

The Black Caps are welcoming back a handful of key players from injury for their upcoming Test series against India.

Rachin Ravindra (shoulder), Tom Blundell (quadricep), Devon Conway and Matt Henry (concussion) have each been named to coach Rob Walter’s 14-strong squad and are expected to be available for the first of two Tests at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, starting November 19.

Absent from the squad which toppled England in their most recent red-ball series due to injury are Ben Sears (ankle), Zak Foulkes (hip), and Will O’Rourke (hamstring and calf).

O’Rourke has been assigned to the Black Caps’ return-to-play programme, with an eye to returning for next month’s landmark series in Australia.

Adding steel to the bowling attack is Jacob Duffy, who missed the UK and Ireland tour to remain home for the birth of his first child.

Ravindra hasn’t featured for the Black Caps in their white-ball series against India, after a suffering a freak accident attempting to take a catch during a promotional shoot.

Devon Conway and Matt Henry were involved in a training ground collision which has sidelined both for the last two ODIs against India.

The series will be the first for BJ Watling as batting coach, replacing Luke Ronchi.

With World Test Championship points up for grabs in the first of 10 Tests through until March, Walter is confident the stability within the squad has them well placed to come out of the gates strongly.

“The squad is largely consistent with the team that competed in England earlier this year, so it’ll be great to be back together to try and recreate some of that success on home soil.

“We’ve experienced great crowds so far during the white-ball series and we’re really looking forward to having that support during the Tests.

“Valuable Championship points are on the line of course, but our focus remains on playing our best cricket against a high-quality team like India."

After Wellington, the teams head south for the second Test at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, starting on December 2.

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