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New Zealand name Ajaz Patel to replace Tickner; Tom Blundell makes a comeback for 3rd Test

Soumyajit Dutta

Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X.com]

In a recent development, Ajaz Patel has been called up as the replacement for Blair Tickner in the 14-man squad of New Zealand for the third Test against the West Indies. 

Tickner, the Kiwi fast bowler who was ruled out of the second Test due to an on-field injury, will not make it to the Final Test since he dislocated his shoulder during the opening day of the second Test.

Tickner injured himself while attempting to save a ball near the boundary in the 67th over of the West Indies innings after completing a full stretch at the dive. He was in excruciating pain at the boundary as the physios rushed in.

Tickner was taken immediately off the field, and since then, he has been under special medical assistance. New Zealand Cricket then confirmed that he won’t be participating in that match anymore.

Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell called in for final Test vs WI

Notably, Ajaz Patel comes in after his last appearance for the Black Caps against India at the Wankhede, where he bagged 11 wickets to help New Zealand complete a historic 3-0 whitewash against the hosts.

The upcoming Test might be Ajaz Patel’s first Test match on home soil since 2020 if he makes it to the playing XI.

Significantly, Tom Blundell, New Zealand wicketkeeper, is also making his return to the side after recovering from an injury sustained in the first Test.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed that he recovered well from his hamstring tear and will be back in the side for the final game. The third and final Test between New Zealand and the West Indies will take place from December 18 in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand squad for the third Test:

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke⁠⁠, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young