Patel to debut for Black Cats against Pakistan

Left-arm spinner is set to take action for his New Zealand side for the test series against Men in Green

Reuters July 25, 2018

patel has been the plunket shield 039 s top wicket taker over the past three seasons snaring 48 wickets at an average of 21 52 runs in his most recent campaign photo afp

Patel has been the Plunket Shield's top wicket-taker over the past three seasons, snaring 48 wickets at an average of 21.52 runs in his most recent campaign. PHOTO: AFP

WELLINGTON: Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is in line to make his New Zealand test debut after being named in the squad to play Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

‘Zaman broke the bowling machine for more practice, that’s how passionate he is’

The Indian-born 29-year-old, New Zealand’s top domestic wicket-taker in the past three seasons, replaces allrounder Mitchell Santner who is still recovering from knee surgery, New Zealand Cricket said in a media release on Wednesday.

Patel joins wrist-spinners Todd Astle and Ish Sodhi in the 15-man squad for the three-test series starting in October.

Morkel runs past Nottinghamshire

Selectors also opted to include a second wicketkeeper in Tom Blundell alongside BJ Watling in the squad.