Patel and Blundell return to the New Zealand squad for the third test against the West Indies
Patel and Blundell return to the New Zealand squad for the third test against the West Indies
New Zealand made a couple of changes to their Test squad for the third and final game against the West Indies in Mount Maunganui. The Black Caps took a 1-0 lead in the second match, winning the game by nine wickets and will be keen to finish off the series with a win.
New Zealand have recalled left-arm orthodox spinner Ajaz Patel and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell to their 14‐man squad for the third and final Test against the West Indies, set to begin at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui on Thursday, Dec 18.
37-year-old Patel, who has not played a Test in over a year, returns as a specialist spinner after the team’s seam‐friendly approach earlier in the series. He replaces Blair Tickner, who was ruled out following a dislocated shoulder suffered in the second Test at Wellington.
The kiwi bowler, famous for taking all 10 wickets in an innings against India in 2021, could feature in his first home Test in more than five years if selected in the final XI. Bay Oval’s reputation for offering turn played a part in the decision, with head coach Rob Walter noting Patel’s ability to challenge right‐handed batters.
Blundell, New Zealand’s first‐choice keeper, also makes a return after recovering from a hamstring tear sustained in the opening match of the series. His comeback sees Mitchell Hay return to domestic cricket after deputising behind the stumps in the second Test.
New Zealand currently lead the three‐match series 1–0, having secured a nine‐wicket victory in the second Test following a drawn first Test. The squad combines experience and youth as the Black Caps aim to close out the series on home soil.
New Zealand squad – Third Test vs West Indies:
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.