Patel and Neesham find place in New Zealand squad for first Test

New Zealand have picked offspinner Jeetan Patel ahead of leggie Ish Sodhi, while going in with Jimmy Neesham as an extra option for the all-rounder’s spot, for the forthcoming first of the three-match Test series against South Africa, starting March 8.

New Zealand play their first Test in Dunedin before heading to Wellington and Hamilton for the next two Tests.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling