Patel looks forward to rejoining Stags
New Zealand test spinner Ajaz Patel can’t wait to meet up with his Central Stags teammates tomorrow when the Super Smash side plays Otago on Sunday in Dunedin.
Patel hasn’t seen many of his Central Stags colleagues since a preseason camp in Napier way back in September 2018 — shortly before he departed for a life-changing tour of UAE.
His early season debut New Zealand A tour led into his T20 International debut for the Black Caps and then a sensational test debut when Patel was named man of the match as New Zealand claimed the first test against Pakistan by four runs, spinning it to win it with 5-59 in the second innings, amid a seven wicket haul for the match.
Patel then returned home to play Sri Lanka in Wellington and Christchurch for another test series victory. Yet through all the excitement, he was missing friendships forged and banter exchanged on the domestic circuit.
‘‘It’s funny, I missed the Staggies quite a lot,’’ he said.
‘‘Don’t get me wrong, the Black Caps environment is special and really good to be part of, and it was a lot of fun having that success first up. But at the same time, having played so much cricket with the Staggies over the last few years, it was a strange feeling — missing the boys and missing their campaign. I’m really excited to be back, really looking forward to coming back and contributing this Sunday, and hopefully taking some wickets.’’
Patel is the only change to the Central Stags’ squad for their fourth Super Smash T20 of 2018/19, coming in for Nelson ex NZ-U19 youngster Felix Murray whom Patel said had performed admirably in his firstsuper Smash season.
But there’s no question that the experienced Patel is the senior spinner, entering his sixth T20 season for the side with 29 wickets from his 28 T20 appearances, looking to help take their season ledger to 2-2 on a tightly contested points table.
The team will then return to Patel’s home rep district of Hawke’s Bay for a return encounter — the Stags host the Volts at Napier’s refreshed Mclean Park under lights on Thursday next week, the first match on Mclean Park’s new dropin pitch and ameliorated outfield.
‘‘The Volts are a strong team and we can’t underestimate them,’’ says Patel. ‘‘They’re doing really well this season in white ball, so that will be something to look forward to — to play them twice and hopefully come out on top.’’
Patel says his national team experiences have made him a more confident player.
‘‘I’m feel really invigorated, I’m really enjoying my cricket and, having played some international T20 cricket now, and with the Tests also, I think that’s definitely given me more confidence. Coming back into this environment, I’m going to bring that with me.’’
Doug Bracewell and Ross Taylor are unavailable due to New Zealand selection. The Stags 4pm T20 against the Volts at University of Otago Oval will follow the Central Hinds taking on the tough Otago Sparks at 12.45pm in the first part of the doubleheader.
Adam Milne remains on the sidelines for the Stags as he returns to full fitness while the Hinds, still searching for their first T20 win of the season after an agonisingly near miss against the Hearts at Pukekura Park, have reduced their squad to 12 for the trip south.