Ajaz Patel, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, showed his skill by taking 6 wickets for 90 runs in the third innings of the Galle Test. This was his second time achieving a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka.
Limited Opportunities at Home
Patel has taken 70 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 28.50. However, he has only played 17 out of the 45 Tests that New Zealand has played since his debut. This is largely because New Zealand’s home conditions favor fast bowlers, and when a spinner is needed, the team often picks all-rounders like Mitchell Santner or Michael Bracewell, who contribute more with the bat.
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A Specialist in Asian Conditions
As a result, Patel has played over 70% of his Tests in Asia, where pitches suit his bowling style. He has especially done well in Sri Lanka, where he recently grabbed 6 wickets in Galle. Before him, only Richard Hadlee had managed to take more than one five-wicket haul for New Zealand in Sri Lanka.
Frustration Fuels Motivation
Patel admitted feeling frustrated at not getting more chances in Test matches, but this has only made him more determined. “The hunger grows more when you don’t get the opportunities you want,” he said. “Every time you do get a chance, you are really hungry for it.”
Thriving in Spin-Friendly Conditions
Patel has embraced his role as a spinner in Asian conditions, where the ball often helps spinners more. He acknowledged the challenge of bowling to skilled players of spin in these regions but said he enjoys the responsibility. “It’s about delivering the ball in the right areas for long periods and making the most of what’s available,” he explained, mentioning factors like the breeze, the surface, and the pitch.
Using Galle’s Unique Environment
In Galle, where the ground is surrounded by the ocean, a strong breeze often affects play. Patel made the most of this by adjusting his bowling to take advantage of the wind. “Bowling into a breeze as a spinner can be useful. The wind helps keep the ball in the air longer, and it’s about using those subtle pace changes to your advantage.”
Adapting to Changing Ball Conditions
Patel also spoke about how the condition of the ball affected his bowling. In Galle, spinners tend to benefit more when the ball is new and harder. In the second innings, Patel opened the bowling with the new ball and took four wickets with it. He explained that bowling with the older, softer ball was trickier, as it didn’t respond as much off the surface.
Learning from Rangana Herath
Throughout New Zealand’s tour, Patel has been working with legendary Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath, who is the team’s spin consultant. Herath, who has taken 102 wickets at this venue, has been sharing his insights with Patel.
“It’s amazing to have Rangana on our side,” Patel said. “I grew up watching him bowl, and we are similar in stature. He’s world-class, and it’s been great to learn from him about how to succeed in Galle and how to approach different angles and strategies.“
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