NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s selectors have recalled offspinner
Jeetan Patel - more than three-and-a-half years since he last played a Test - to bolster their squad in India following news that
Mark Craig will play no further part in the ongoing series.
Offspinner Craig has been ruled out of the remaining two Test matches against India with a side strain, but remains available to bat on day five in Kanpur with New Zealand struggling to avoid defeat in the series opener.
Patel, 36, has not played a Test match since January 2013 but has been a stand-out spinner on the English county scene for the last five years, representing
Warwickshire
. He has said that his international career is over, but now finds himself preparing to board a flight to India where he will link up with the Test squad ahead of the Eden Gardens Test that starts on October 30.
Patel has just had his best County Championship season, taking 69 wickets at an average of 24.02 for Warwickshire. He has taken at least 50 wickets in the last five seasons.
"Jeetan is up to speed from a bowling load perspective having recently completed a successful county season - so he will be ready for the rigours of Test cricket," said
Mike Hesson
, the New Zealand coach. "He'll also add invaluable experience to our young spin group."
Craig injured his left side while bowling in India’s second innings in Kanpur, and did not return to the field. His recovery period has been estimated for four weeks. "We're really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he's put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain,” said Hesson.