Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra in line to make WTC Final squad versus India

Among the 20 names selected for the prelude are all-rounder Rachin Ravindra and pacer Jacob Duffy, both of whom have received maiden Test call-ups. 21-year-old Ravindra, who bats at the top of the order for Wellington, did not enjoy the greatest of Plunket Shield seasons with the bat, averaging just 23.10, but a remarkable series versus West Indies 'A' in late 2020 - he notched up 2 tons in 3 games, representing New Zealand 'A' - has seen the left-hander earn a maiden Test call-up. Contrastingly, Duffy, who made T20I debut versus Pakistan four months ago, was the fourth-highest wicket taker in the four-day competition, scalping 22 wickets @ 22.27, and this consistency has seen the 26-year-old earn a place in the extended squad for the England tour. 

Barring the aforementioned two, another batsman who could be in line for a Test debut is Wellington’s Devon Conway, who has taken to international cricket like duck to water since making his debut for the Kiwis in the summer. Conway’s limited-over prowess is well-known to the world, but the 29-year-old, who averages 47.21 in first-class cricket, has been one of the most consistent performers in the Plunket Shield over the years and thus is certain to be a starter but for a few complications. New Zealand’s Covid policies prevents non-residents from leaving the country and Conway not being an official resident of the country, yet, means that he is invariably bound to stumble upon roadblocks before being cleared to fly to England.

New Zealand Squad for England tour: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young