Raval gets early crack

Black Caps test opener Jeet Raval will get an early opportunity to measure up against the Bangladesh bowling attack.

Raval has been included in the New Zealand XI to play Bangladesh in a 50-over match in Christchurch on Sunday. He is the only player in the squad with international experience.

With the exception of Wellington batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, players participating in the domestic Twenty20 competition were not considered for selection.

‘‘He did a very good job for the NZ A team in both the UAE and at home against India A and we believe another day of international cricket would be very advantageous for him,’’ selector Gavin Larsen said.

In Ravindra, Finn Allen, Dale Phillips, Katene Clarke and Max Chu, the team features some of the younger players on New Zealand Cricket’s high-performance radar.

The Black Caps will play three one day internationals and three tests against Bangladesh.