Hesson has final say
OUTGOING Black Caps coach Mike Hesson has handed spinner Ajaz Patel a test callup in one of his last acts as New Zealand coach.
The uncapped Patel is the only new face in the Black Caps squads named for three formats to face Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in OctoberNovember.
Hesson and selector Gavin Larsen have not strayed far from the core of players who have lifted New Zealand into the top five in each format.
The tour will feature a new coach, likely to be unveiled next month, after Hesson recently announced he is stepping down after a successful sixyear reign.
He gave the green light to Mumbaiborn Patel, whose 48 wickets helped steer Central Districts to the Plunket Shield firstclass domestic title last summer.
Patel (29) has been the competition’s leading wickettaker for each of the past three seasons.
He takes the place of another leftarm spinner Mitchell Santner, who is still recovering from knee surgery.
Legspinners Ish Sodhi and Todd Astle are also in the test squad given conditions expected to favour slow bowlers.
Kane Williamson remains skipper in all three formats.
Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling is a surprise inclusion in the oneday international squad, having featured infrequently in the 50over format.
Strike bowler Trent Boult is missing from the twenty20 squad due to paternity leave.
There are no Otago players in the three Black Caps squads.
It is the first time the Volts have not had a regular Black Cap since Brendon McCullum transferred back from Canterbury in 200708.
The province’s best players have also been overlooked for the New Zealand A squads as well.
The A squad features firsttime selections for Patel, pace bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Blair Tickner, and New Zealand under19 representative, Rachin Ravindra.
Tim Seifert, Mark Chapman and Lockie Ferguson will play the T20 games before moving into the Black Caps T20 squad.
Larsen said with NZC placing a bigger emphasis on the A programme, it was an exciting time for the country’s emerging players, and an excellent opportunity to develop and expand their capabilities.
‘‘Given India A will also be visiting New Zealand over the summer, there is a lot to play for.’’
The NZ A squad will leave for the UAE in early October, followed a few weeks later by the bulk of the Black Caps squad members. — Additional reporting Adrian Seconi