Raval Called up for Zimbabwe and South Africa tour

Auckland: Mondiale Auckland Aces player Jeet Raval has been named in the BLACKCAPS Test squad to tour Zimbabwe and South Africa beginning next month.

The side will play two Tests in Harare against Zimbabwe, followed by one each at Durban and Centurion against South Africa.

The 27-year-old Raval has been a consistent performer at the top of the order in the domestic four day competition, with a first-class career average of 43.85. In the 2015-16 season he averaged 55.71, making three centuries and helping lead the Aces to the Plunket Shield title.

He'll be joined by Ish Sodhi, who is back in the BLACKCAPS Test squad having last appeared for the side in 2014. He joins Mark Craig and Mitchell Santner, to give the side three frontline spin options.

Blackcaps Test squad: Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi (wk), Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi.

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