The ongoing three-Test series between New Zealand and West Indies has reached its decisive point. After the draw of the first test and New Zealand’s spectacular victory in the second test, the Kiwi team is currently leading the series 1-0. Now the third and last Test match between the two teams will be played from December 18.
Sports News: A three-Test series is being played between New Zealand and West Indies. The first match of the series was a draw, while in the second test, New Zealand won by 9 wickets and took a 1-0 lead. Now the third and last match of the series between the two teams will be played from December 18. Before this decisive match, the Kiwi team has suffered a big setback.
Fast bowler Blair Tickner has been ruled out of the series due to a shoulder injury. Ajaz Patel has been included in the team in his place. Apart from this, Tom Blundell has also been given a chance in the squad.
Blair Tickner out due to injury
Before the third Test, New Zealand suffered a big blow when fast bowler Blair Tickner was out of the team due to a shoulder injury. According to the report of the medical team, Tickner was not fit for this match, due to which the team management decided to rest him. Tickner’s absence left a void in the fast bowling attack, which the team made changes in balance to fill.
Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell return to the team
Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been included in the squad in place of Blair Tickner. Ajaz Patel has returned to the Test team after almost a year. He played his last Test match against India in 2024, in which he won the ‘Player of the Match’ award by taking a total of 11 wickets. Till now, Ajaz Patel has taken 85 wickets in 21 Test matches for New Zealand and is known for his effective bowling in big matches. The team management believes that the pitch of the third Test can help the spinners, in such a situation the return of Ijaz will strengthen the bowling attack.
Apart from this, Tom Blundell has also returned to the team. Blundell played the first Test of the series, but after that he suffered a hamstring injury, due to which he was ruled out of the second Test. In his absence, Mitchell Hay took over the responsibility of wicketkeeping. Now Blundell is fully fit and available for the third Test and will once again play the role of wicketkeeper-batsman.
Statement from coach Rob Walter
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter, while talking about the team selection, said,
‘Ajaz Patel is a player we can rely on in pressure situations. The Bay Oval pitch tends to turn more than other New Zealand pitches, so an additional spinner will add variety to the bowling attack. Tom Blundell has recovered well from his hamstring injury and his return will strengthen the team.
New Zealand took the lead in the series by defeating West Indies by 9 wickets in the second test. Now the third Test is a chance for the Kiwi team to win the series, while West Indies will be eyeing to level the series. In such a situation, this match is very important for both the teams.
New Zealand’s probable squad
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Ray, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson and Will Young.
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