Ajaz Patel has been named to New Zealand’s 20-man squad for the upcoming England tour
Kane Williamson, the team’s captain, will return at the end of the IPL.
He started the series against India last year but hasn’t played a test match since an elbow injury.
Ajaz Patel, one of only three players to have taken ten wickets in a Test inning. They will rejoin the New Zealand cricket squad for its three-test tour of England next month.
Patel took 10-119 in New Zealand’s second test against India in Mumbai last December; he joined Jim Laker of England also Anil Kumble of India in an elite club.
Since then, the left arm has not appeared in a test. When New Zealand opted for all-pace attacks against Bangladesh and South Africa, he was left out of the home series. Patel returns to the New Zealand frontline for the England series.
New Zealand announced an expanded 20-man squad for the tour on Wednesday to cover the early want of players involved in the Indian Premier League. These players will miss New Zealand’s warm-up games, and the squad will be reduced to 15. Before the 1st test against England, which begins on June 2 at Lord’s.
New Zealand defeated England in a Test series in England last year. Before New Zealand’s victory over India in the inaugural World Test Championship final.
Thirteen of the fifteen players who competed in that series are still on the current roster. However, veteran batter Ross Taylor and wicketkeeper B.J. Watling have retired since.
Offspring allrounder Michael Bracewell, wicketkeeper-batsman Cam Fletcher, and pace bowler Blair Tickner, touring with New Zealand for the first time, are among the squad members.
Kane Williamson, the team’s captain, will return at the end of the IPL. He started the series against India last year but hasn’t played a test match since an elbow injury.
Will Young, the opener, and Colin de Grandhomme, the allrounder, are both playing county cricket in England. And their availability may force additional changes before the final squad is announced.
Head coach Gary Stead stated that New Zealand must carefully manage its player resources as it begins a busy test and limited-overs cricket schedule.
“The red ball tour of England is clearly top of our priority list. And we’re looking forward to getting started over there,” Stead said. “Touring England is a particular occasion, with the people, grounds, and history contributing to a fantastic experience. The English are always challenging in their conditions and have many talented players at their disposal.”
