Black Caps test squad named: Coach Gary Stead reveals toughest selection
21 Dec, 2020 04:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner of New Zealand (L-R) line up for their national anthem. Photo / Getty Images.
Black Caps spinner Mitchell Santner has retained his place in the test squad to face Pakistan despite Ajaz Patel being fit enough to play.
In a clear indication the selectors are not comfortable with Kyle Jamieson being given all-rounder status, Santner has got the nod over Patel on the back of his superior batting.
In a squad low on intrigue due to recent success, the only question mark was over the spin-bowling slot.
Mitchell Santner added to New Zealand’s 13-man squad for Pakistan Tests as ICC WTC Final nears India Today Web Desk
The inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship is nearing its end and with the final, in June 2021, closing in, New Zealand are set to step into their final stages of the competition. The 2-match Test series against Pakistan, starting on Boxing Day in Mount Maunganui, will round out New Zealand s campaign in ICC WTC. New Zealand are currently 2-0 ahead in the 3-match T20I series against Pakistan.
New Zealand Cricket, on Monday, named a 13-man squad for the 2 home Test matches against Pakistan. Mitchell Santner has found a place in the squad as Ajaz Patel misses out. Meanwhile, new Dad and captain Kane Williamson has returned after missing the recently-concluded 2nd Test against West Indies. Daryl Mitchell has been named as injury cover for Colin de Grandhomme who has been ruled out of the Test series due to stress-reaction to his right an
Mitchell Santner
Photo: Photosport
The all-rounder is the only specialist spinner in the 13-strong squad, with Ajaz Patel overlooked despite having overcome a calf injury.
Coach Gary Stead says it was the toughest selection call. That basically came down to the balance of the side and with the four-strong pace attack going so nicely, we wanted to have a spinning all-rounder as an option for that number seven position, Stead said. It s really unfortunate for Ajaz, who has overcome his calf-injury, but the all-round ability of Mitchell Santner is our preferred option for this series. The fact Ajaz hasn t been able to have any game-time in the lead-up was also a concern for the selectors.
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