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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Patel replaces Tickner (dislocated shoulder)
- 2🏆 Blundell back post-hamstring, Hay to domestics
- 3💡 Bay Oval favors Patel's away-turner to righties
- 4🔮 Kiwis eye series win with dual spin attack
"While Blundell missed the second Test with an injury, Patel could play his first home Test since February 2020"
Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell return to New Zealand's squad for the decisive third Test against West Indies, boosting spin and keeping options. Patel replaces injured Blair Tickner, out with a dislocated shoulder from the second Test.
Spin Threat at Bay Oval
Blundell, the top glovesman, recovers from a first-Test hamstring tear that sidelined him. Debutant Mitch Hay heads back to domestic cricket. Patel, player-of-the-match in his last outing (November 2024), eyes a home Test since February 2020.
"Bay Oval, as we know, has typically taken more turn than other surfaces around New Zealand." — Rob Walter
Coach Rob Walter backs Patel's right-hand away-turner for the turning track, doubling up on spinners to seal the series.
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