Source: Radio New Zealand
Ajaz Patel of New Zealand celebrating a wicket, India, 2024. PHOTOSPORT
The Black Caps have called in spinner Ajaz Patel for this week’s third Test against West Indies, while Tom Blundell is also in the 14-player squad.
Patel replaces his Central Districts team-mate Blair Tickner, who suffered a dislocated shoulder during the second Test.
Wicketkeeper Blundell also returns to the side after missing the second Test to recover from a hamstring tear sustained in the first Test at the start of December.
If 37 year old Patel is selected to play at Bay Oval on Thursday, it will be his first Test in just over a year.
Patel, who famously took all ten wickets in a Test innings against India at Wankhede Stadium in 2021, could be in line to play his first Test match on home soil since February of 2021.
His last Test appearance came during the third Test in the 2024 tour of India, where he produced a man of the match performance with figures of 11-160 as part of New Zealand’s 3-0 whitewash series victory.
“Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required,” coach Rob Walter said.
“Bay Oval, as we know, has typically taken more turn than other surfaces around New Zealand, and the fact he turns the ball away from the right-hander is very appealing.”
“Taking another spinner into the third Test also gives a bit more variance in our bowling attack, along with our seamers who have been doing a great job thus far this series.”
Black Caps wicketkeeper Tom Blundell defied the England attack with a fighting century on the third day the second cricket test at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. Dec 8, 2024. PHOTOSPORT
The Black Caps selector avoided the temptation to bring back the likes of Kyle Jamieson, with the squad lean on pace bowlers following first Test injuries to Nathan Smith and Matt Henry.
Jamieson is working through a conditioning block after a full start to the summer, as part of his preparation for what is shaping up to be a busy first half of 2026.
Fast bowling quartet Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke all remain in the squad for the final Test, with Rae impressing on debut in Wellington.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from Michael on his debut,” Rob Walter said.
“The energy he brings to the group and the added benefit of his height means he’s able to extract plenty out of the surface, which he did so in Wellington.”
Black Caps Test Squad: Third Test v West Indies
Bay Oval, Tauranga – 18-22 December.
Tom Latham (C) – Canterbury
Tom Blundell – Wellington Firebirds
Michael Bracewell – Wellington Firebirds
Kristian Clarke – Northern Districts
Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds
Jacob Duffy – Otago Volts
Zak Foulkes – Canterbury
Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury
Ajaz Patel – Central Stags
Glenn Phillips – Otago Volts
Michael Rae – Canterbury
Rachin Ravindra – Wellington Firebirds
Kane Williamson – Northern Districts
Will Young – Central Stags
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
