New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday, December 15, announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming third and final Test match against the West Indies. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been recalled to the squad, while wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been included after returning from a hamstring tear.
Fast bowler Blair Tickner has been ruled out after dislocating his shoulder on the opening day of the second Test. Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who stepped in during Blundell’s absence and impressed with a half-century on debut, has been released from the squad and will return to domestic cricket with Canterbury.
Ajaz Patel has returned to New Zealand’s Test squad. He took 11 wickets in his last Test match at the Wankhede and played a key role in a historic 3-0 series win. The upcoming Test could be Patel’s first Test on home soil since 2020.
Head coach Rob Walter backed Patel’s inclusion, saying that the Bay Oval surface could offer more turn than most New Zealand pitches. He added that Patel’s ability to spin the ball away from right-handers adds variety to the attack for the final Test.
“Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required. 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," Rob 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.”
Tom Blundell Has Recovered Very Well from His Hamstring Tear - Rob Walter
Tom Blundell has rejoined New Zealand’s Test squad after recovering from a hamstring injury. The wicketkeeper was sidelined after picking up the issue in the opening Test but is now fit to return for the final game.
Rob Walter welcomed Blundell’s comeback. The head coach stated that Blundell’s presence adds stability and confidence to the group ahead of the match.
“Tom has recovered very well from his hamstring tear, and we’re grateful to have someone of his caliber back in the side," Walter said.
“His experience is invaluable, even more so as we have a few guys in the squad who are relatively new to Test cricket – he is a leader in the group and we’re very pleased to see him back.”
New Zealand Squad for Third Test vs West Indies
New Zealand have retained fast bowlers Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Kristian Clarke in the squad. Kyle Jamieson has recently returned to first-class cricket after recovering from the injury.
The team management said that Jamieson is progressing well and they carefully manage his workload ahead of a possible full Test return.
Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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