Ajaz Patel’s situation has come full circle once again. Despite taking 14 wickets in a match during India’s tour, the left-arm spinner was dropped from New Zealand’s squad for their next home series. This trend has now reappeared in his career—while he’s crucial for New Zealand in subcontinent conditions, he is deemed unnecessary on home soil.
Ajaz, who took 11 wickets in the last Test in Mumbai, has been left out of New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming series against England on home ground. This isn’t the first time such a thing has happened to the 36-year-old. Back in 2021, after taking 14 wickets, including 10 in one innings, against India in Mumbai, he was dropped from the team for the next Test, which was against Bangladesh in Christchurch. Coincidentally, the first Test of this series against England is also in Christchurch.
Ajaz’s absence has prolonged his wait for a home Test wicket. Despite taking 85 wickets in 18 Tests abroad, he has yet to take a single wicket in 3 Tests at home. In those three matches, he hasn’t had many opportunities to bowl, with only one innings where he bowled extensively.
With Ajaz missing, New Zealand’s squad has no specialist spinner, and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has also been left out. However, all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra are included in the squad. Mitchell Santner, another spinning all-rounder, will join the team for the second and third Tests after missing the Pune Test in India due to injury, despite taking 13 wickets in that match.
Kane Williamson, who missed the India tour due to injury, returns to the squad. Although he was named Player of the Series against India, his place in the XI against England isn’t guaranteed, especially with Will Young still in contention.
For the first time, pacer Nathan Smith has been called up to the Test squad. After making his international debut in a recent ODI against Sri Lanka, the 26-year-old earned a place in New Zealand’s central contract based on his outstanding performances in domestic cricket. Last season, he was the highest wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield with 33 wickets and followed it up with 27 wickets in county cricket.
New Zealand’s squad for the series is as follows: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rorke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (for second and third Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
The series begins on November 28 in Christchurch, followed by the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton. If New Zealand wins all three matches, they will still have a chance to qualify for the Test Championship final. A draw in any match will end their hopes.
If they fail to reach the final, the series could mark the end of the distinguished Test career of New Zealand’s bowling legend, Tim Southee.
