Since making his Test debut in 2018, Ajaz Patel has played just three home Tests — and remarkably remains without a wicket in New Zealand colours on home soil. That contrast is stark given his broader record: more than 400 first-class wickets overall, including 85 Test wickets away from home at an average of 28.01.
With Mitchell Santner sidelined, several fast bowlers unavailable, and a Bay Oval pitch expected to offer assistance to spin as the match progresses, Ajaz has been added to New Zealand’s squad for the third and final Test against West Indies at Mount Maunganui. Yet despite conditions seemingly aligning in his favour, captain Tom Latham stopped short of confirming his inclusion.
It has been five years since Ajaz last played a Test in New Zealand, and his path back into the XI remains crowded. Allrounders Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell provide part-time spin options, offering New Zealand flexibility and depth with the bat — factors that have often worked against the selection of a specialist spinner at home.
Latham was quick to defend Ajaz’s record and persistence, however, suggesting the focus on his lack of home wickets is overstated.
“You probably talk about it more than we do,” Latham said. “Ajaz has performed beautifully in overseas conditions and hasn’t had many opportunities here because of the surfaces we play on.
“With the allrounders we have who bowl spin, it’s made his chances harder from a balance point of view. But if he gets that opportunity, I’m sure he’ll do everything he can — not just to take wickets, but to play his role for the team.”
The Bay Oval has offered encouragement for spinners in recent Tests. In the last match at the venue, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Neil Brand claimed six wickets in the first innings, while Phillips, Santner and Ravindra combined for nine wickets across the game. Typically, the surface assists seamers early before flattening out, with spin becoming increasingly relevant later on — a dynamic that suits Ajaz’s skill set.
Latham pointed to experience as the key reason Ajaz continues to feature in selection conversations.
“He’s brought up 400 first-class wickets, which tells you how much experience he has and how well he knows his game,” Latham said. “He’s been extremely successful for Central Districts — applying pressure, tying an end up — and when conditions suit, he knows exactly how to be more attacking.”
New Zealand’s broader selection philosophy at home has tended to prioritise pace, leaning into green surfaces and tall seamers while backing their batters to handle visiting attacks. Latham acknowledged that approach remains deliberate.
“For us, it’s about working with the groundstaff to produce wickets that suit our skillset,” he said. “Over the last five to ten years, surfaces have been greener, and that’s helped us strike the right balance.”
At 37, time is not on Ajaz’s side. If he misses out again, his next realistic Test opportunity may not arrive until New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in March 2027. The 2026 calendar includes away series in Ireland, England and Australia, along with a home series against India — fixtures where selection conditions may again limit his chances.
For Thursday’s Test, Ajaz is competing with fast bowler Kristian Clarke for the final spot in the XI, opened up by Blair Tickner’s shoulder injury in Wellington. Whether New Zealand finally turn to spin at home remains an open question.
