Taylor, Boult picked for home Tests against Bangladesh

Batsman Ross Taylor has returned to New Zealand's squad for the two home Tests against Bangladesh after making a comeback from eye surgery. Dean Brownlie, who had joined the squad as batting cover for the second Test against Pakistan in November, kept his place.

Fast bowler Trent Boult also returned after missing the second Test against Pakistan because of a knee injury. Seamer Doug Bracewell, who had been Boult's replacement in Hamilton, and legspinner Todd Astle were left out of the 13-man group, which included only one spinner in allrounder Mitchell Santner.

Taylor had scored a hundred in the second Test against Pakistan before undergoing surgery because of a growth in his left eye in December. He missed the subsequent ODIs in Australia and the limited-overs series against Bangladesh, but made a comeback to domestic T20 cricket with scores of 80 and 82 not out for Central Districts.

"It's great to have Ross back," New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. "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."

Henry Nicholls will continue to stake his claim for the No. 5 spot, while newcomers Colin de Grandhomme and Jeet Raval will have the chance to build on the promising starts they made against Pakistan.

"We've still got some relatively new players in the squad and playing in home conditions gives them a great opportunity to further their experience on the international stage," Larsen said.

The first Test begins from January 12 in Wellington and the second from January 20 in Christchurch.

New Zealand Test squad Kane Williamson (capt), 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)