New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel was excluded from the squad that was named for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, despite picking 14 wickets in the recent Mumbai Test against India, including a historic 10 wickets in an innings.
While speaking about his exclusion from the Bangladesh Test series squad, Ajaz Patel said that while he understands the decision, the New Zealand ground staff should also prepare spin-friendly wickets in order to promote the craft of spin bowling in the country.
Patel was not picked for the upcoming Test series as New Zealand went back to their fast bowlers in the pace-friendly conditions at home.
“One of my things about being a spinner in New Zealand is to inspire another generation to take up the art. I'm still going to fight the fight to make sure spin bowling becomes part of the big picture in New Zealand cricket.
I think my job as a spinner is showing the groundsmen that there's something that is possible, and then it's up to the groundsmen to turn and around and go, 'Well, actually, we want to see some spin bowling in New Zealand. It's trying to drive that change. At the same time, we realise that our home conditions, it can be difficult to do that,” Ajaz Patel was quoted as saying by 'stuff.co.nz'.
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Patel further said that change needs to begin in domestic cricket itself where the groundsmen have the ability to experiment a bit with the surface and help the development and growth of spinners.
"In domestic cricket, I think there's space for groundsmen to experiment a bit. And I think it only helps us grow as players as well - one, from a bowling aspect, understanding how to bowl on those surfaces, but also from a batting perspective, learning how to cope with conditions that are different,” he said.
"It was more just expressing my disappointment because I think you still have to express yourself, and still be able to show that you're passionate about playing Test cricket for New Zealand at home. There's a good relationship there with Gary (Stead), as well, we had some honest conversations, sometimes they're not the most pleasing, but at the same time, we can be upfront with each other and know where we stand," Patel on his exclusion from the Bangladesh Test series at home.
"Right now, we've got one of the best crop of fast bowlers that we've ever had in New Zealand. I guess it's just part and parcel of the era of cricket that I'm in right now. It's a great thing for New Zealand Cricket to have that conundrum.
I do understand the reasons why they have gone the other way. But for me it is still working towards that and trying to create that change,” he added.
Patel said selectors have overlooked him for this upcoming series but it will only make him hungrier for more Test caps.
(PTI inputs)
