The spinner Ajaz Patel and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell have been named in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming final test against the West Indies.
The 37-year-old is set to play his first test in over a year, while Tom Blundell will be returning from a hamstring tear. Ajaz Patel has picked 85 wickets in 21 tests he played since his international debut in 2018.
Meanwhile, Blundell, who missed the second test due to injury, will be back in the lineup for the final test.
Speaking on the inclusions, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said, “Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required.”
“Bay Oval, as we know, has typically taken more turn than other surfaces around New Zealand, and the fact he turns the ball away from the right-hander is very appealing,” Walter added.
“Taking another spinner into the third Test also gives a bit more variance in our bowling attack, along with our seamers who have been doing a great job thus far this series, said Walter on Ajaz Patel’s inclusion.
An update ahead of the start of the final Test in Tauranga this week.
Welcome back Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell!#NZvWIN pic.twitter.com/QC9BkNIBpt
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 14, 2025
Ajaz had been impressive during his last test he played in 2024 against India, picking 11 wickets, claiming the player of the match award and guiding New Zealand to secure their 3-0 clean sweep against India.
The hosts secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match test series of the West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025, and the new additions will bolster the depleted squad, which has been hit with major injury concerns.
With the first test concluded in a draw, New Zealand leads the three-test series 1-0 after winning the second test by nine wickets.
The final test of the series will be played between December 18 and 22 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand squad for final WI Test: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Comments are closed.