Uncapped spinner Patel in NZ Test squad

Prolific domestic wicket-taker Ajaz Patel has been promoted to New Zealand's Test squad for their series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Mike Hesson has handed spinner Ajaz Patel a Test callup in one of his last acts as New Zealand cricket coach.

Uncapped Patel is the only new face in the Black Caps squads named for three formats to face Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October-November.

Hesson and selector Gavin Larsen haven't strayed far from the core of players who have lifted New Zealand into the top five in every format.

The tour will feature a new coach, likely to be unveiled next month, with Hesson having recently announced he is stepping down after a successful six-year reign.

He gave the green light to Mumbai-born Patel, whose 48 wickets helped steer Central Districts to the Plunket Shield first-class domestic title last summer.

Patel, 29, has been the competition's leading wicket-taker for each of the last three seasons.

He takes the place of another left-arm spinner, Mitchell Santner, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

Legspinners Ish Sodhi and Todd Astle are also in the Test squad, with conditions expected to favour slow bowlers.

Kane Williamson remains skipper in all three formats.

Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling is a surprise inclusion in the one-day international squad, having featured infrequently in the 50-over format.

Strike bowler Trent Boult is missing from the Twenty20 squad due to paternity leave.

Test: 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.

ODI: Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Watling, Colin Munro, Taylor, Nicholls, Latham, de Grandhomme, Astle, Sodhi, Southee, Henry, Boult. Two to be added.

Twenty20: Williamson (capt), Guptill, Munro, Taylor, Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert, de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Southee, Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Seth Rance. Two to be added.


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Source: AAP


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Uncapped spinner Patel in NZ Test squad | SBS News