Black Caps Call Up Ajaz Patel For Third West Indies Test

Black Caps Call Up Ajaz Patel For Third West Indies Test (Image Source: AFP)

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.

The 37-year-old has not played a Test in New Zealand since February 2020.

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.

Patel has 85 Test wickets in 21 matches, at an average of 29.25.

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.

Black Caps coach Rob Walter said he trusts Patel to "do a job" if required in Mount Maunganui.

"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.

"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."

Patel famously took 10 wickets in an innings against India at Wankhede in 2021, finishing with figures of 10-119 in 47.5 overs.

He is just the third bowler in Test history to take 10 wickets in an innings.

New Zealand also recalled wicketkeeper Tom Blundell to the squad for the third Test.

He returns after he was injured in the first match while batting and will replace Mitch Hay in the starting XI.

The third Test begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.