Despite being a vital spinner for New Zealand with 70 Test wickets at an average of 28.50, Ajaz Patel has only played in 17 of the 45 Test matches since making his debut.
This restricted exposure can be attributed to New Zealand’s inclination towards seam-heavy bowling tactics, particularly on home surfaces conducive to fast bowlers. Join Bet Pro Exchange for cricket news.
Because of the grassy pitches’ continuous bounce and carry, New Zealand frequently favours spinners like Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell who can also make an impact at bat.
With more than 70% of his Test appearances being in Asia due to this strategic approach, Patel has earned the moniker “Asia specialist.”
He is an excellent asset on these surfaces because of his experience with spinning conditions, especially in Sri Lanka.
Patel recently finished with 6 for 90 in the second innings at Galle, Sri Lanka, to record his second five-wicket haul.
With this achievement, he became just the second bowler from New Zealand to take five wickets in an innings on the island, behind the illustrious Sir Richard Hadlee.
Patel acknowledged that his limited opportunities in Test cricket have been challenging despite his good performances.
But his lack of regular play has also heightened his desire to seize every opportunity. Patel stated, “The hunger grows more every time you don’t get an opportunity that you want,” highlighting how strong his need to perform has become. Follow Bet Pro Exchange for amazing cricket updates.
Patel does well in spinning situations because of the extra advantage the ball offers. He understands, meanwhile, that facing batters who can counter-spin presents a challenge when playing on wickets that are conducive to spin.
According to Patel, a spinner can succeed in these conditions if they can deliver the ball consistently in excellent places and use the wicket’s pace, surface, and breeze, among other environmental considerations.
Galle offers special conditions for spinners, as Patel achieved his most recent five-wicket haul there.
Because of its closeness to the water, the location is famed for its breeze, which Patel took advantage of. Bet Pro Exchange for cricket news.
He discovered that bowling into the breeze made it easier to hang the ball in the air and made minor adjustments in pace work to his advantage. The secret to Patel’s success has been his capacity to adjust to these circumstances. Betpro exchange login for the latest cricket news.
At Galle, spinners discover that the ball’s hardness can affect their effectiveness. Using the new ball to start the bowling, Patel was able to take four wickets in the second innings.
He pointed out that different strategies were needed for bowling with the old and new balls. Patel concentrated on producing overspin with the older ball to take as much energy out of the pitch as he could.
More changes were needed when the ball softened because its response off the surface became less predictable. Betpro exchange login for cricket updates.
Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath, who is currently employed as New Zealand’s spin consultant, has also contributed to Patel’s success.
Throughout the visit, Herath—who claimed 102 Test wickets at Galle—has been an invaluable mentor to Patel. Patel gave Herath kudos for assisting him in modifying his strategy to fit various circumstances, field layouts, and viewpoints.
Herath’s coaching resulted in the second-innings dismissal of Sri Lanka’s captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, demonstrating the extent of his impact.
Patel, who has closely watched Herath’s career, showed respect for the former spinner. Because of their comparable stature and bowling styles, Herath has been Patel’s perfect mentor; together, they have helped him hone his skills and mentality under challenging situations like Galle.
Patel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such a skilled and accomplished spinner, whose advice has dramatically improved his performance during the tour.
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