Indian-born Jeet Raval gets New Zealand call up for Zimbabwe, South Africa tours

New Delhi: Indian-born opening batsman Jeet Raval has been named in New Zealand's squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The 27-year-old Auckland opener was the only uncapped player named in the 16-man New Zealand squad, which also includes Indian-born spinner Ish Sodhi, who last played a Test match against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2014.

Raval moved to New Zealand in 2004, and was in prolific form in 2015-16 in the Plunket Shield, having netted 780 runs at an average of 55.71.

He is likely to fight for one of the opening slot with Martin Guptill and Tom Latham.

The Kane Williamson-led side will play a two-match Test series in Zimbabwe, before heading to South Africa for another couple more Test matches.

SQUAD:

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