Off-spinner Jeetan Patel has been called up to the New Zealand Test squad for the second and third Test of the ongoing Paytm Test series against hosts India. The visitors were forced to make the change after Mark Craig suffered a side strain in the first Test and has been ruled out of the Test series.
Patel has not featured in Test side in recent times, having last played a Test in 2013 against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. However, Patel has been finding success regularly in the English County Championship. He was named the MVP by England's Professional Cricketers' Association in 2014.
Patel has experience of playing Test cricket in India as he was part of the touring side in 2010. New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said it was important to have an off-spinner in India, and that Patel fitted the bill perfectly. “Jeetan is up to speed from a bowling load perspective having recently completed a successful county season - so he will be ready for the rigours of test cricket. He'll also add invaluable experience to our young spin group.” Hesson said.
Hesson added that Craig’s injury was expected to take four weeks to fully recover, and that Craig would return home to start his rehabilitation programme. “We're really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he's put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain.”
