Patel’s lack of game-time a “concern for the selectors,” says coach Stead
Ajaz Patel has been left out of New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan despite having recovered from a calf injury. New Zealand instead leaned towards the all-round abilities of Mitchell Santner who retained his place in the squad.
In the injury-enforced absence of Colin de Grandhomme, Canterbury seam-bowling allrounder Daryl Mitchell too kept his spot but there was no room for Matt Henry who recently returned to action from injury and took a match haul of seven wickets against the touring Pakistan Shaheens earlier this week.
Kane Williamson will take over captaincy from Tom Latham after he missed the last Test against West Indies in Wellington to be with his partner Sarah Raheem for the birth of their first child.