Dry Bangladesh pitch may see Test debut for Ish Sodhi

Wellington: Indian-born New Zealand leg- spinner Ish Sodhi has reportedly been assured of making his debut as a Test cricketer in his side`s match against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Sodhi, who has taken 27 first-class wickets at an average of 52.14, has played 14 first-class matches including four on the recent New Zealand A tour to India and Sri Lanka. According to Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hailed Sodhi as a `rough diamond` and said that the dry pitch conditions in Chittagong meant that it is very much certain that Sodhi would play and become New Zealand`s 261st Test cricketer. However, McCullum admitted that they would need to have a final look at the pitch once their coach Mike Hesson arrives before confirming their team for the first Test. Stating that he expects big things from Sodhi, McCullum also said that although Sodhi is still raw at this stage, he believes that he has got some good skills and will be able to show them to the world if he gets a chance to play in the Test.