‌Bracewell and Ajaz return as New Zealand announce squad for one-off Afghanistan Test

Michael Bracewell is back in the Test squad after a 18-month hiatus due to Achilles and finger injuries. Ajaz Patel has also been added back to the mix after being left out of the Trans-Tasmanian series in February-March. Will O’Rourkee and Ben Sears, who were stellar with the ball against Australia in their debut series, have retained their spots.

"It's always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.

"Michael's had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the BLACKCAPS across all three formats. His all-round skills and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka," Stead further added.

It is also noteworthy that New Zealand have bolstered the squad with a plethora of spin-bowling options in Mitchell Santner, Ajaz, Bracewell, Racvhin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. Regarding the pace options, coach Stead mentioned the possibility of using minimum pacers for the three Tests (two against Sri Lanka and one against Afghanistan).

"Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity. While we're going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests. Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served," Stead mentioned.

Currently, the Kiwis are positioned third in the World Test Championship points table. Although the one-off Test against Afghanistan is not a part of the esteemed competition, they have an uphill task cut out against Sri Lanka and India away from home. Subsequently, the Black Caps are also scheduled to play a home Test series against England in the summer. 

"We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a finals spot in England next year. We managed one win from the two-Test series in challenging conditions in Bangladesh last December and are keen to build on that. The whole squad is looking forward to testing their skills in the longest form of the game in the sub-continent," Stead added.

New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young