New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel is in line to play his first Test match in more than a year after being recalled ahead of the third Test against the West Indies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 37-year-old has not played a Test in New Zealand since February 2020.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Central Districts left-arm orthodox bowler took 11 wickets in his last Test against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, as New Zealand wrapped up a 3-0 series victory over the hosts in 2024.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Patel has 85 Test wickets in 21 matches, at an average of 29.25.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his record, Patel is yet to take a Test wicket on New Zealand soil, going wicketless in the three matches he has played at home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Black Caps coach Rob Walter said he trusts Patel to "do a job" if required in Mount Maunganui.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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," Walter said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Patel famously took 10 wickets in an innings against India at Wankhede in 2021, finishing with figures of 10-119 in 47.5 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He is just the third bowler in Test history to take 10 wickets in an innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand also recalled wicketkeeper Tom Blundell to the squad for the third Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He returns after he was injured in the first match while batting and will replace Mitch Hay in the starting XI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The third Test begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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