Ajaz Patel could make his Test debut later this year

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Uncapped left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October.

Ajaz was picked as a replacement for spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury.

Ajaz, who plays for Central Districts in New Zealand’s domestic circuit, has been the top wicket-taker in the first-class competition for the last three seasons.

“Ajaz has deserved his inclusion on the sheer weight of his domestic first-class form over the past couple of summers,” selector Gavin Larsen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “With Mitch Santner not fully recovered yet from his knee surgery, it’s nice to have both wrist (Astle and Sodhi) and finger (Patel) spin options, given the likely conditions in the UAE.”

Ajaz will depart for the United Arab Emirates with the New Zealand A squad in early October, and will also be among the players battling for two vacant spots in both the ODI and Twenty20 squads.

One of the two players selected in the Twenty20 squad will replace left-arm seamer Trent Boult as he will be on paternity leave after the ODI series.

New Zealand’s series against Pakistan will consist of three Twenty20 Internationals, three ODIs and three Tests.

New Zealand’s Test Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

New Zealand’s ODI Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Taylor, Nicholls, Latham, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Sodhi, Southee, Henry, Boult, two to be added from NZ A/NZ T20 squad

New Zealand’s T20 Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Mark Chapman, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, two to be added from NZ A