New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the Test squad for the first Test of the upcoming two-Test series at home against South Africa. Surprisingly, Ajaz Patel is missing from the Test squad once again. While two debutants have been added to the squad, Patel is yet to play a single match after bagging a record-breaking 10 wickets in an innings against India at Wankhede Stadium last year.
However, Patel can be considered for selection for the second Test if he recovers from his left-calf injury. He will feature in a domestic game to prove his fitness. Also, his selection will depend on whether the conditions at the same venue as first Test suit the spinners.
“It’s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second,” coach Gary Stead said in a statement.
“We’re conscious the second Test pitch may differ from the first so we’re keen to have the option of adding Ajaz if required. He’s targeting a return for the Stags in the Ford Trophy on February 20 to prove his fitness and availability,” he added.
The left-arm spinner was also ignored for the Test series at home against Bangladesh. In the first Test, New Zealand missed the services of the southpaw as they lost their first ever Test against Bangladesh. The touring side piled on 458 in their first innings which led to an easy win for Mominul Haque-led side.
Apart from Patel, Kane Williamson is also missing from the squad as he is yet to recover from his elbow injury. This will be the first Test series, New Zealand will play in the absence of recently retired Ross Taylor. Frontline pacer Trent Boult will also miss the first Test as he awaits birth of his first child.
The first Test will start on February 17 whereas the second Test will commence on February 25. Both the Tests will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
On the other hand, Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned maiden call-ups in the red-ball format.
New Zealand 1st Test squad: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Darly Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young
South Africa Test squad: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk)
