Patel the lone spinner for New Zealand

Wellington – New Zealand leftarm spinner Ajaz Patel’s (right) form against Pakistan in the UAE has earned him the chance to impress in local conditions after selectors yesterday named him as the only slow bowler in the squad for two Tests against Sri Lanka.

The 30-year-old produced a Man-of-the-Match performance on debut in their four-run win over Pakistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi last month. He also finished with 13 wickets, the most by a New Zealand bowler.

Despite his impressive performances, he had been in competition with off-spinner Will Somerville and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi for the one slow-bowling position in the squad with Kiwi pitches less conducive to turn.

Coach Gary Stead had said on the team’s return home on Sun- day that he would need to drop two of the spinners as they resorted to a three-pronged pace attack for the first test starting on Saturday at the Basin Reserve.

“Ajaz certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he’s a proven performer in New Zealand conditions,” team selector Gavin Larsen said.

“There’s a real swell of support for the test team following their efforts in the UAE, so were hoping to transition that momentum into a big home summer.”

Uncapped batsman Will Young has also been added to the squad as batting cover after strong performances in domestic cricket and for the New Zealand A side.

He has scored 664 runs, including three centuries and a half century, at an average of 60.36 in 12 innings.