Spinner Ajaz Patel, who picked up all 10 wickets in an innings against India in the last Test, has been left out of the New Zealand squad for the series against Bangladesh.
The 33-year-old achieved the rare feat in less than three weeks and become the only third bowler to pick up all 10 wickets in an innings of international cricket.
Ajaz Patel achieved the rare feat in the second Test against India in Mumbai earlier this month but was deemed surplus to requirements for next month’s matches on the greener surfaces of Mount Maunganui and Christchurch.
“You do feel for Ajaz after his record-breaking display in India. However, we’ve always applied a horses-for-courses selection policy and believe the players selected best fit the way we want to take on Bangladesh here at home,” coach Mike Stead said in a statement.
All-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell can offer spin but New Zealand’s main focus will be on moving the ball at pace with seamers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry all selected.
Tom Latham will captain the team for an entire series for the first time in place of Kane Williamson, who suffered a recurrence of an elbow injury in India and will miss both Tests.
The Black Caps are unbeaten in eight home Test series going back to their last reverse, a 1-0 loss to South Africa in March 2017.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult
ARR
