New Zealand have announced the squad for the final of the inaugural World Test Championship which is slated to begin on June 18 in Southampton. The side that would be led by Kane Williamson has picked Ajaz Patel as the specialist spinner.
Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner who were a part of the two-match Test series against England haven’t made a cut for the final.
"There's had to be some tough calls with Mitchell and Daryl victims of the fierce competition we currently have for places in the Test side," head coach Gary Stead said.
Stead lavished praised on Patel and said that he could be a 'factor' when the New Zealand team takes on India in the WTC final in Southampton.
"We've gone with Ajaz as our specialist spinner after an impressive outing at Edgbaston and we believe he could be a factor at the Ageas Bowl,” he added.
Opener Devon Conway has also found a place for himself in the 15-man team. Conway stamped authority with the bat on his debut after scoring a double-century at Lord’s.
The visitors defeated England 1-0 in the series to clinch only their third Test series win in the country earlier. The first match between the two sides ended in a draw while the Blackcaps won the second clash at Edgbaston by 8 wickets after the bowlers rattled the hosts in the second innings.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young