Cricket New Zealand recalled all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford and brought back wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher and seamer Blair Tickner as cover for the picked squad for the first Test against South Africa that is slated to begin from February 17 at the Hagely Oval in Chirstchurch.
Seven years on from his last appearance for the Black Caps, Otago Volts batsman Hamish Rutherford has earned a recall, as has all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, who missed much of last season with a foot injury, the report said.
While still there was no place for Ajaz Patel who picked 10 wickets in an innings in Mumbai Test last year in December. However, spinner Rachin Ravindra was picked in the sqaud.
New Zealand Squad for New Zealand 1st Test: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.
