Mumbai-born cricketer, Ajaz Patel has been selected in the New Zealand test squad. The Kiwis will play a three-match Test series against Pakistan in October in United Arab Emirates (UAE), and spin bowler Ajaz Patel too has been named in the squad for the three matches.
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Ajaz is a finger-spinner and was born on October 21, 1988, in Mumbai. But at a young age, he left for New Zealand with the family. Since then, Ajaz, who lives in New Zealand, represents the ‘Central Stags’ team. For three consecutive years, Ajaz has been the highest wicket-taker in New Zealand's Domestic Plunket Shield and took 48 wickets at an average of 21.52 in his most recent season with Central Stags.
Chief selector Gavin Larsen informed that Patel would replace the injured Mitchell Santner in the 15-man squad against Pakistan. Wrist spinners, Todd Astle and Ish Sodhi, too have secured their place in the squad.
Ajaz has deserved his inclusion on the sheer weight of his domestic first-class form over the past couple of summers," he said.