Neesham returns to NZ Test squad vs India

James Neesham last represented his country in the series against Australia in November last year.

James Neesham has played nine Tests for New Zealand.

James Neesham is set to make his Test return for New Zealand after being named in the squad for its upcoming tour of India. 

Neesham, who has played nine Tests for New Zealand, last represented his country in the series against Australia in November last year. However, the 25-year-old returned home from that Test series after suffering back pain while bowling.

Neesham has since made a full recovery, appearing for Otago Volts as well as a stint with Derbyshire in the English domestic summer.

"Jimmy has put in a lot of work to make sure he is physically ready for a return to Test cricket," said Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen, ahead of the opening Test on September 22.

"Having two pace bowling all-rounders in Jimmy and Doug Bracewell helps the balance of the squad, particularly if playing on pitches which demand a spin-heavy bowling attack."

"Jeet Raval misses out on this tour, but we were really pleased with what we saw of him in Africa. He did everything asked of him and we’ll continue to monitor him closely."

The 15-man squad has three changes from the side which recently toured Africa, with Matt Henry and Jeet Raval dropping out and Neesham the one addition.

New Zealand will play a three-day warm up in New Delhi ahead of Tests in Kanpur, Kolkata and Indore. 

New Zealand squad: Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and James Neesham