Veteran spinner Patel brought back to deal to Bangladesh’s left- handers

The international surprises keep coming for Jeetan Patel.

Once seemingly destined to play out his career at Wellington and Warwickshire, the 36- year- old has had two call- ups for New Zealand in the space of three months.

The latest is being brought into the Black Caps’ one- day squad for the final ODI of the series against Bangladesh in Nelson today.

Patel was also selected for two tests of the Indian series in October.

The last of his 39 previous ODIs came against Australia in the Champions Trophy in 2009.

With Bangladesh’s top five comprising three left- handers, offspinner Patel will be able to turn the ball away from them on a wearing Saxton Oval pitch.

The decision was expedited by captain Kane Williamson’s success with his own off- spin against Bangladesh in the second ODI, taking three for 22 from five overs. That spell turned the game.

With Trent Boult set to be rested, interest lies in how the rest of the team selection balances out.

In theory the top eight won’t change unless there is a desire to give Colin de Grandhomme a run in place of Jimmy Neesham or Colin Munro. Given Neesham and Munro have shown glimpses of the batting form demanded at ODI level this summer, it would seem counterproductive to remove them on the whim of rotation.

With Patel and Mitchell Santner both likely to play, that leaves room for one out of Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry or Ben Wheeler to partner Tim Southee. Southee should start, given he is missing the upcoming T20s.

Henry appears next in line if Ferguson’s pace is considered less useful on an inert pitch, although leftarmer Wheeler would be a like- for- like swap with Boult.

Coach Mike Hesson said Patel’s call- up was a product of the environment.

“With the slow nature of the Saxton Oval surface, and the number of left handers in the Bangladesh line- up, we feel Jeetan will be a good option.”

Patel joined the side yesterday from Hamilton where he was due to play for Wellington in the McDonald’s Super Smash.

Patel excelled during the Royal London One- Day Cup in England. He took 22 wickets to be second overall. Those came at an average of 20.31 with a strike rate of 25 and economy rate of 4.84. Notably, he took two for 28 from nine overs in the tournament final to see Warwickshire crowned champions over Surrey.