Trent Boult returns as New Zealand announce squad for India Tests

New Zealand named returning bowler Trent Boult and Auckland Aces star Kyle Jamieson in their 13-man squad on Monday for the upcoming Test series against India.

Boult has recovered from the broken right-hand he sustained in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Jamieson got his Test call following his impressive performances in the recently ended One0Day International (ODI) series between India and New Zealand. Jamieson, who played the last two ODIs, picked up three wickets as the hosts whitewashed India 3-0. The tall fast bowler's maiden Test call came last year in December when he was added in the squad to replace injured Lockie Ferguson. However, he did not get a game.

In the 13-man squad, Ajaz Patel has been included as a specialist spinner along with Daryl Mitchell, who has been added as the batting and all-rounder cover.

Tom Blundell, who scored a century on debut during the MCG Test last December, is most likely to continue opening the batting with Tom Latham.

The first Test, which will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday, will be Kiwi senior batsman Ross Taylor's 100th Test appearance for the BlackCaps. He will be only fourth New Zealander to do so after Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on Feb. 29 at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

Acknowledging Taylor's milestone, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said," To play 100 Tests for your country is an incredible achievement and a testament to his work ethic and complete professionalism."

Stead further spoke about the team selections for the Test series against India. "With a squad of 13 we've put a priority on balance and making sure we have the needed variety and different options depending on the pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve.

It's terrific to have Trent back with us and we're looking forward to the energy and experience he adds to the group alongside his obvious class with the ball in hand. Kyle will offer us a point of difference with the bounce he could extract on what is traditionally a good surface in Wellington."

"We're excited to welcome back Ajaz who has done a great job for us overseas and has a proven domestic record in New Zealand conditions. Daryl showed his batting prowess in his Test debut against England in Hamilton and he naturally offers us great versatility with the different roles he can play," Stead added.

New Zealand's 13-man squad for India Test series: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling,