Ross Taylor recalled for B'desh Test series

Veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, who underwent a surgery to remove a growth in his eye, has been recalled in the 13-man squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh beginning January 12 at the Basin Reserve.

Taylor had smashed a century in the second Test of the two-match series against Pakistan before undergoing an eye surgery. He was then forced to miss the subsequent ODIs against Australia and the ongoing T20 series against Bangladesh.

Confirming the news of Taylor's inclusion, New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the right-handed batsman has been an essential part of the Test side for a long time and, therefore, it is great to have him back.

"It's great to have Ross back. He has a phenomenal record that speaks for itself and he's coming off a terrific hundred in his last Test. He's obviously been an essential part of our Test side for a long time and brings invaluable experience and knowledge to the group," ESPNcricinfo quoted Larsen as saying.

Left-hand batsman Henry Nicholls has been retained in the Test squad, while Colin de Grandhomme and Jeet Raval have also been given a chance to build on their promising debut series.

The New Zealand Test squad is as follows:

Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk).