Wellington: Spinner Ejaz Patel has been dropped from the New Zealand squad for the series against Bangladesh in less than three weeks after becoming the third bowler to take all 10 wickets in international cricket.
The 33-year-old achieved the rare feat in the second Test against India in Mumbai earlier this month but was deemed surplus for requirements for next month’s matches on the greener surfaces of Mount Maunganui and Christchurch.
“You feel for him after his record-breaking performance in India,” coach Mike Stead said in a statement.
“However, we have always implemented a horse-for-course selection policy and believe the players selected are the best fit the way we want to take Bangladesh home here.”
All-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell can offer spin but New Zealand’s main focus will be on pacers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry.
Tom Latham will captain the side for the entire series for the first time in place of Kane Williamson, who suffered repeated elbow injuries in India and will be ruled out of both Tests.
Free-scoring opener Devon Conway returned to the team, however, after losing the 1–0 series to India after he punched his bat in despair during the Twenty20 World Cup.
The series begins at the Bay Oval on New Year’s Day and will be New Zealand’s first home Test since they won the World Test Championship by beating India in England earlier this year.
The Black Caps are unbeaten in eight home Test series, going back to their last reverse in March 2017, losing 1–0 to South Africa.
Squad: Tom Latham (Captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
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