Will Somerville, the New Zealand off-spinner who played a starring role on debut in their historic final Test in Abu Dhabi, has been left out of the squad for the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka.
Patel is the specialist spinner in the 13 player squad, with Somerville and Ish Sodhi released to play in the fourth round of the Plunket Shield, along with Tom Blundell, who also drops out from the victorious United Arab Emirates touring party, with Will Young taking his place.
Colin de Grandhomme retains his place in the squad, despite the all-rounder averaging just 10.5 in six innings with the bat in the UAE. However, a handy cameo in the third test, a lack of like-for-like replacements, and contributions with the ball (five wickets at 25.6), was enough for the 32-year-old to keep his spot.
Will Young, the 26-year-old opening batsman who scored a century in a one-day game for New Zealand A against India A on Sunday, earned his maiden call-up to the national squad.
The selectors also decided to persist with Tom Latham, who scored just 109 runs in six innings against Pakistan, and Matt Henry, who will have his task cut out trying to break into an attack consisting Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.
“There’s a real swell of support for the Test team following their efforts in the UAE, so we’re hoping to transition that momentum into a big home summer,” Gavin Larsen, the New Zealand selector, said.
“Ajaz (Patel) certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he’s a proven performer in New Zealand conditions. Will Somerville was an obvious stand-out on debut in the Abu Dhabi decider and it’s great to know we’ve got quality spin bowlers who can create competition for places.
“The first international of the home summer is always an exciting time and the revamped Basin Reserve should be a fitting setting to launch the Sri Lankan tour.”
Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner
