Black Caps spoilt for player selection ahead of first test against England

The Barmy Army and the Kiwi-led English cricket team have landed on New Zealand shores – awaiting three test matches across Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton. Hagley Oval plays host to the first, from 11 o’clock Thursday morning.  

Black Caps coach Gary Stead is in a comfortable position. The team is coming off the back of a first-ever series win in India, a clean sweep at 3-0 which stunned the cricketing world.  

Batsman Will Young was player of the series for that tour, but with Kane Williamson returning against the English, it’s put Stead and captain Tom Latham in a position New Zealand cricket is rarely in.  

“This is a great issue to have, we know Kane’s class and how much he adds to this team”. When questioned about the placement of Young for the first test, Stead says he can’t guarantee Young’s spot – but it’s fantastic to have this much ability available. 

With 6 and 7-digit sums of money being thrown around in the Indian Premier League auction during prep, the mental focus of the players could be questioned. Placing confidence in the hearts of Black Caps fans, Stead says his squad are true professionals and will be focused. He expects many to receive contracts but someone’s always going to miss out.  

Seven players have been picked up so far; Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult and young Auckland Aces star Bevon Jacobs.  

Rachin Ravindra will follow Devon Conway back to the Chennai Super Kings, where they both played last season.  

Ravindra says he’s blessed to be able to link back up with his mate. “I love playing alongside Devon, with such a storied franchise that embraced us both”.  

Ravindra will be on $811,000 NZD and Conway will receive about $1,230,000 NZD, certainly enough to shout the team a few coffees over the coming weeks. “I’ve had a few of those comments, the boys should be looking towards Devon.” Ravindra cheekily added.

Looking at the English side, coach and Black Caps great Brendon McCullum will stand alongside captain Ben Stokes with familiarity, being back on home soil. Stokes is from Christchurch, moving to England at age 12. It’s expected he’ll have family on the banks watching on.