New Zealand name 14-player squad for India Tests

New Zealand Cricket has named a 14-player squad for its two-Test home series against India, recalling Jacob Duffy and including three players still managing injuries. Tom Latham will captain the side, which opens the series at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on November 19.

Tom Blundell, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are in the squad, but their inclusion does not confirm they will be match-ready. New Zealand Cricket said the players were working through a quadriceps injury, concussion and shoulder injury, respectively, and aiming to be available for the first Test. Their fitness remains to be assessed before the opener.

Duffy returns to the Test squad after missing New Zealand’s tour of England earlier this year. His inclusion adds a pace option alongside Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner. Henry has recovered from a quadriceps injury, according to the squad announcement.

Three pace bowlers are unavailable: Ben Sears is out with an ankle injury, Zak Foulkes with a hip injury, and Will O’Rourke is on a return-to-play programme. The 14-player group also includes Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Will Young.