ICC WTC Final: Black Caps announce 15 member squad, Aijaz Patel included
Xtra Time Web Desk: New Zealand has announced their 15 member squad on Tuesday for the ICC World Test Championship Final against India starting from June 18. As expected Black Caps Captain Kane Williamson and wicket keeper BJ Watling has been included in the 15 member squad. Both Kane (elbow) and Watling (back) missed out on the second test against England due to injury.
The biggest surprise is Indian origin left arm spinner Aijaz Patel being preferred over Mitchell Santner. Patel forced his way past Santner as the side’s first-choice spinner with a compelling return to test cricket at Edgbaston, taking 4-59 off 23 overs in New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory. With the track at Ageas Bowl offering to turn in last couple of days, Aijaz has a good chance of playing against his country of birth.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed his final 15 names for decider at the Ageas Bowl. Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Doug Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy were excluded from the extended 20-man squad who beat England 1-0.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (C), Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Collin de Grandhomme, Aijaz Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Tom Blundell, Matt Henry and Will Young.
