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Left-arm orthodox spinner Ajaz Patel has been selected for New Zealand's final cricket test of the three-match series against the West Indies starting on Thursday in Mt Maunganui

Left-arm orthodox spinner Ajaz Patel has been selected for New Zealand's final cricket test of the three-match series against the West Indies starting on Thursday in Mt Maunganui

15 December 2025

He replaces the injured Blair Tickner.

Patel is looking to play his fourth match - and take his first wickets - at home - he last featured in February 2020.

The most recent test of 21 came in the November 2024 win against India at Mumbai where figures of 11 for 160 earned him player-of-the-match in the 3-nil series victory.

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell also returns in place of Mitch Hay, after recovering from a hamstring tear.

Kyle Jamieson has been overlooked again in favour of rehabilitation - the last of his 19 caps came in February 2024.

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