Pacer Trent Boult returned to the New Zealand Test side while Mumbai-born Ajaz Patel is in line for a dream appearance against India after ...
Pacer Trent Boult returned to the New Zealand Test side while 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 in Wellington on Friday.
Boult had been out of action since injuring his right hand during the Boxing Day Test against Australia and had missed the limited-overs leg of the India tour earlier this month.
Patel 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. But his domestic form this season has seen him dislodge Santner from the Test squad. Santner’s performance was under the scanner in the three-Test series against Australia, and he has struggled in the limited-overs leg of the India series as well.
“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’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”.
Even after his debut two years...
