Latham Stays Cautious On Ajaz Selection As Bay Oval Promises Spin

New Zealand will take on the West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui. The pitch at the venue is expected to offer assistance to spinners, so New Zealand are exploring various options to strengthen that department. Ajaz Patel is one of the Kiwi spinners who could get a chance in the third test, however, Tom Latham hasn’t finalized anything regarding his inclusion.

Interestingly, Mitchell Santner is not part of the current squad due to injury, which makes Ajaz Patel’s inclusion in the Playing XI more likely. It is also true that Ajaz hasn’t played many tests in New Zealand, but that is partly because the Black Caps usually play on seam-friendly pitches at home.

The captain of New Zealand also gave the same answer when asked about this particular question in the press conference. He said Ajaz is a good bowler on spin-friendly pitches, which is why his numbers in subcontinental tests are great.

"You guys probably speak about it more than what we do. Ajaz has performed beautifully in overseas conditions and he hasn't had a lot of opportunities here in New Zealand due to the surfaces that we play on.” said Tom Latham while speaking to the reporters.

He then explained that New Zealand have a good mix of batting all-rounders who can offer spin bowling at different stages of the game. With that in mind, Ajaz Patel’s inclusion could become difficult in the upcoming match, although nothing has been finalized yet.

"I think with us having allrounders as well in the group that do bowl spin, it has made his opportunity hard here in New Zealand, from just a strength in our batting point of view. I'm sure if he gets that opportunity he will do everything he can to take a wicket but more importantly do his role for the team as best he can." said New Zealand captain, Tom Latham.

 

Applauding the Domestic Record of Ajaz Patel

He then praised Ajaz Patel’s domestic record, saying that taking 400 first-class wickets is a huge achievement for the left-arm spinner. That is the main reason New Zealand continue to keep Ajaz in the loop, as his services are considered vital to the team.

"I think it's probably his experience, really. I saw the other day that he brought up 400 first-class wickets, which obviously shows he's got a huge amount of experience and probably knows his game better than probably anyone else.” said Tom Latham.

The captain then elaborated on how Ajaz Patel has remained a key bowler for Central Districts over the past few years. His ability to take wickets while applying pressure makes him a valuable asset for the domestic side, which is why the New Zealand management also keeps a close eye on him.

"He has been extremely successful for Central Districts doing what he does in terms of being able to apply pressure, tie an end up, and when the opportunity presents itself, and when a spinner becomes a little bit more attacking, he knows how to bowl in those conditions that are favorable to him." said Tom Latham.

He then explained New Zealand’s strategy in home conditions. The captain acknowledged that pitches at home are prepared to suit their style of play, which is why green surfaces are usually seen in most test matches.

"For us, it's always been about working together [with the groundstaff] and for them being able to come up with the best cricket wicket that suits our skillset. We've certainly seen throughout the last 5-10 years that surfaces have tended to be on the greener side and that certainly suited our balance as much as possible." concluded Tom Latham.