Ravindra hopes to make best of 'world-class' spinners during SL Tests

New Zealand have had very little match practice going into the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The one-off Test against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain and unsafe playing conditions and as a result, the team was also denied an opportunity to have a hit out in the nets. 

However, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra looks to use the upcoming Test series as an opportunity to learn from some of the best spin bowlers, such as teammates Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and the newly appointed spin consultant Rangana Herath.

“We’ve got players who have had experience in these conditions and who are world-class players. Working with the spinners, being able to bowl in tandem with [Mitchell Santner] and [Ajaz Patel] and learn from Rangana - a guy who’s taken 400-odd test wickets - I’m just trying to pick their brains as much as I can," Ravindra told New Zealand Herald ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Asked what the team did to pass the time during the frustrating wait in India, Ravindra revealed that the team engaged by playing some cricket in the hallway and further added that it was quite competitive.

“It’s certainly disappointing whenever the rain falls, but as mates and teammates we always find ways to keep ourselves busy. There was a bit of a hallway cricket Test series going on – me and the skipper versus Tommy Blundell and Dev Conway," Ravindra, who made his Test debut in 2021, said.

“I think we came away victorious 6-1 in the series and each was five matches, so it did get quite competitive. We’re competitive people, we were going at each other a little too much, but it was nice to get the juices flowing," he added.

The two-match Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, will get underway in Galle on September 18. The first Test will have a reserve day to accommodate the country's presidential elections. The second Test will begin on September 26 at the same venue.

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