New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, who scripted history in his most recent game earlier this month by achieving something that only two other cricketers in Tests have been able to achieve, has been ruled out of the upcoming New Zealand vs Bangladesh series.
Yes, you read that right. Despite his heroics against India, where he scripted history by picking 10 wickets in an innings, Ajaz has been omitted from the 13-man squad of New Zealand that will take on Bangladesh in their upcoming series, which will kickstart in Mount Maunganui on New Year’s Day.
During the second Test match between India and New Zealand, Ajaz Patel became only the third bowler in history, after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, to pick up all 10 wickets in an innings. He returned with the magic figures of 14-225, the second-best test return in New Zealand’s history.
Apart from him, New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson has also been ruled out and, batter Tom Latham will be leading the BlackCaps in the series, in Williamson’s absence. New Zealand coach Gary Stead as per an official release said:
“It`s great to be back home and at venues, we know well, and where we`ve had success in recent times,” He added: “It`s obviously disappointing not to have Kane available for this series but, as we noted in India, he is undergoing a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening, and gradual batting load. We have every confidence in Tom leading the side – he`s done an excellent job in the past when called upon,”
Meanwhile, fans on social media were left furious with the exclusion of Ajaz Patel from the New Zealand squad and started slamming the Kiwi’s team management.
Here. check out the reactions of Twitterati on this:
No Ajaz Patel in the NZ Test squad v Bangladesh after his record-breaking feat v India at the Wankhede Stadium.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) December 22, 2021
Ajaz Patel dropped after taking 10 wickets in an innings.
No “sources” mentioning “rift” between the New Zealand team management and Ajaz Patel.
Weird country, no? Their media chooses to cover cricket instead of making up gossip…
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@SachinAzharCT) (@ovshake42) December 22, 2021
Ruthless selection from New Zealand: Ajaz Patel becomes the third man in Test history to take 10 wickets in an innings and is dropped for their next series
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) December 22, 2021
Wonder who got on a call with Ajaz Patel to explain ‘horses for courses’ policy…and by the way, NZ’s selection pretty much confirms the amount of grass likely to be seen on the pitches for the two Tests vs Bangladesh. Take your goats along for grazing, B’desh.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 22, 2021
What do New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel and India’s Karun Nair have in common?
Both dropped from their respective Test sides after a 10 wicket haul (14 in the match) and a 300+ score!— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 22, 2021
The best bowling figures of a player who didn’t play in team’s next Test is Devon Malcolm’s 9/57 against SA in 1994. He couldn’t play the next Test (v AUS) due to suffering from chickenpox.
Ajaz Patel 10/119 is all set to overtake this, as he is not picked in Test squad v BAN.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 22, 2021
I’d have picked Ajaz Patel. I get that our wickets are seam-friendly, but even if it’s just ceremonial, he deserves to be with the team and around fans who can celebrate his piece of history. Imagine the reception he’d get from people when they see him. He’s earned that. pic.twitter.com/8mRqKLHOHD
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) December 22, 2021
No but really though Ajaz Patel not getting picked at home, ik ik the 10-wkt haul, could not have been a surprise for you if you follow NZ cricket well
— Sritama Panda (Ross Taylor’s Version) (@cricketpun_duh) December 22, 2021
New Zealand Test squad:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Will Young
Also Read: Fans Went Berserk After Ajaz Patel Took All 10 Wickets
