Ajaz Patel returns to New Zealand's Test squad: Details here
What's the story
Ajaz Patel has been included in New Zealand's squad for the 3rd Test against West Indies, starting Thursday in Mount Maunganui. According to ESPNcricinfo, he will feature in his first Test at home in over five years. The left-arm spinner's last Test appearance was in November 2023, where he stunned the Indian batting line-up with 11 wickets. Here are further details.
Career highlights
A look at Patel's journey
Ajaz Patel, one of New Zealand's preferred frontline spinners, has rarely played on green and seaming pitches at home. In his 21 Tests so far, only three have been at home. The last one was against India in Wellington back in February 2020. Despite these challenges, Patel remains focused on becoming the best cricketer and bowler he can be. Overall, he has taken 85 wickets from 21 Tests at 29.25.
Recent form
Patel's recent achievements and selection rationale
Last week, Patel achieved his 400th First-Class wicket while playing for Central Districts against Canterbury in a Plunket Shield match. The potential turn at Mount Maunganui influenced his selection for the 3rd Test against the Windies. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said, "Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required."
Do you know?
All 10 wickets in an innings
Patel is one of only three players to have taken all 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match, the others being Anil Kumble and Jim Laker. The Kiwi spinner took 10/119 against India in the 2021 Wankhede Test.
Squad changes
Blundell, Tickner also return to the squad
Along with Patel, wicket-keeper Tom Blundell has also been recalled to the squad after he missed the 2nd Test due to a hamstring tear. However, fast bowler Blair Tickner and Mitchell Hay have been left out. While Tickner dislocated his shoulder in Wellington, Hay will return to domestic cricket. The latter made his Test debut in Blundell's absence, scoring 61 in New Zealand's innings win over West Indies.
Information
NZ squad for 3rd Test against WI
Squad: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicket-keeper), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.