Patel Makes Black Caps Squad For India Tests
Zeeshan Mehtab Published February 17, 2020 | 09:20 AM
Wellington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2020 ) :Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel is in line for a dream appearance against India after the left-arm spinner was named Monday in the Black Caps' 13-man squad for the two-Test series beginning on Friday.
Patel's family moved to New Zealand when he was a child but the 31-year-old has always followed Indian cricket closely, rating visiting skipper Virat Kohli "the best in the world".
He played his first Test for New Zealand against Pakistan in 2018 but has only earned seven caps, with Black Caps' selectors preferring all-rounder Mitchell Santner.
Even after his debut two years ago, Patel's thoughts were focused on one day playing India.
Growing up in an Indian family, "you're always passionate about cricket and you watch a lot of great Indian players just like I have watched New Zealand players", he told AFP at the time.
On the prospects of bowling to Kohli, he said: "If that (chance) comes I will cherish it and give it the best crack." Patel's domestic form his season has seen him dislodge Santner from the Test squad.
"We're excited to welcome back Ajaz who has done a great job for us overseas and has a proven domestic record in New Zealand conditions," coach Gary Stead said.
Patel is not guaranteed a start, with selectors believed to be considering a four-pronged pace attack for the first Test in Wellington.
That would give Kyle Jamieson a debut alongside Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult, who returns from the hand injury that kept him out of the one-day and Twenty20 series against India.
Daryl Mitchell comes in as an all-rounder, while opening batsman Jeet Raval was dropped from the squad after being demoted in favour of Tom Blundell during the recent series against Australia.
Meanwhile, batsman Ross Taylor is set to become the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in all three forms of the game, Tests, ODIs and T20s.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rawalpindi woman gives birth to six babies
Kenya Army Chief Francis Ogola among nine others who died in Helicopter crash
Saudi FM’s visit positive, constructive one: FO
Hania enjoys vacations in London
IMF Officials assure support to Pakistan’s economy
Naqvi directs foolproof measures for protection of Chinese nationals
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence calls on army chief
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 April 2024
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
More Stories From Sports
-
'All-or-nothing' Norris takes sprint pole in rain chaos at Chinese GP
11 minutes ago -
PM Youth Talent Hunt girls & boys table tennis championship begins
41 minutes ago -
O'Sullivan eyes eighth snooker world title amid more retirement talk
41 minutes ago -
Nagelsmann to remain Germany national football coach till 2026
1 hour ago -
Pakistan, New Zealand teams not to train on Friday
3 hours ago -
Blind Cricket Trophy from April 20
3 hours ago
-
National Women's Football C’ship postponed
3 hours ago -
Beijing half marathon runners stripped of medals after controversial finish
3 hours ago -
PSA World Tour Finals in June
4 hours ago -
2024 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage schedule confirmed
4 hours ago -
O'Sullivan eyes eighth snooker world title amid more retirement talk
9 hours ago -
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
10 hours ago