New Zealand is poised to commence their World Test Championship cycle with a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Bangladesh starting on November 28, and Captain Tim Southee foresees spin playing a significant role. Although New Zealand, renowned for thriving in pace-friendly conditions at home, has not played a Test in Bangladesh since 2013, their full-strength squad, bolstered by spin specialists like Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel, is well-prepared for the challenge.

The squad also includes spinners Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, with Santner and Ravindra returning to the Test side after gaps since 2021 and early 2022, respectively. Southee expresses confidence in his spin attack, anticipating their success against a Bangladesh side without key batters Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das.

Return of Spin: Southee Anticipates Subcontinent Challenge in Bangladesh Tests

In the absence of Shakib and Litton, New Zealand’s formidable lineup, featuring Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, and Devon Conway, aims to confront Bangladesh’s spinners, including Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Southee acknowledges the absence of Shakib and Litton but believes it provides an opportunity for others to step into those roles.

Southee expects a competitive showing from Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, even without key players like Shakib, Litton, Ebadot Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed. The first Test is scheduled for November 28 in Sylhet, followed by the second in Dhaka on December 6.

Test Squads:
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shahadat Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Mominul Haque, Hasan Murad, Nayeem Hasan

New Zealand: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Neil Wagner