Jeet Raval 'ready' for Africa challenge

Jeet Raval, the opening batsman from Auckland, has stated that the upcoming tour of Africa will be an important learning curve for him. The 27-year-old was selected for national honours after he netted in 780 runs at an average of 55.71 in the 2015-16 Plunket Shield.
Bharat Popli, who plays for Northern Districts, crunched 1,149 runs at an average of 67.58 in New Zealand's premier first-class competition last season, and was also said to be in contention for the Test series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively. However, the selectors picked Raval mainly as they wanted a reserve opener.

"For me it's about learning as much as I can and just be myself," he said at New Zealand's training camp in Pretoria on Thursday (July 14). "The coaches have told me that I'm here only because I love the game and that there's no need to change anything. So when I get the opportunity, I'll be ready to go."
Raval said that he was surprised at his inclusion in the touring party. However, the Auckland opener added that he has enjoyed his experience with the national set-up in the training camp in Pretoria, which in turn also underpins the calm and relaxed atmosphere created by the backroom staff.
"It's a nice and relaxed environment. All the boys have been welcoming, so I'm really enjoying my time so far," he said.
The Gujarat-born left-hander migrated to New Zealand with his parents at the age of 16. On his part, Raval conceded that he initially found it tough to adjust to unfamiliar climes.
"We moved to New Zealand with the family when I was 16 with mum and dad deciding we wanted a lifestyle change. At the start I completely hated it. It was a massive cultural change.
"I couldn't understand a word of what the teacher said on my first day of school at Avondale College because I couldn't speak English. I went home and started crying to my mum and said, 'Mum let's got back to India because I don't know what's going on here.'
"Now, I've found a new home here in Auckland for the last few years. I've scored a few runs, and got a call from Gavin Larsen when I was playing club cricket in the United Kingdom. I told my wife first, and then called my dad back home in New Zealand. He was over the moon. So, I want to just enjoy this opportunity and be myself."
New Zealand begin their tour of Zimbabwe with a three-day practice game in Harare from July 22, before playing two Tests against the home team. They are also slated to play two Tests against South Africa.