New Zealand announced their squads for the third and final Test against each other In the Westwith two seasoned promoters making a timely comeback. The duo’s inclusion adds depth and balance as the Black Caps open the series at home after taking a 1-0 lead. The decider will be played at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui from December 18.
Ajaz Patel returns after an injury substitution
Left arm spinner Gluttony He was recalled to the test team to replace Tez Bowler According to the brainHe was ruled out after dislocating his shoulder during the recently concluded second Test. Tigner’s injury has forced the selectors into a change and Patel’s return offers a proven spin option to start New Zealand’s last match.
Experience and control are especially valuable in the longer format, where patience and consistency often dictate results, Patel said. His most recent Test appearance in November 2024 ended the tally, earning player of the match honors for a sensational performance. With conditions at Mt Maunganui traditionally offering help later in the game, Patel will be hoping to make a strong case for a place in the playing XI.
Tom Blundell has returned to the WickeKeeping Unit
Wicketeeper-corpse Tom crane He was named in the squad after recovering from a sustained hamstring tear during the opening Test of the series. Blundell missed the second match as a reserve, making way for New Zealand’s first-choice wicketkeeper Mitch Hay to make his international debut in the second match.
Hay has been impressed with his impact behind the stumps, but with Blundell now in line, the experienced campaigner is set to resume duties. Hay will return to Canterbury to continue his fashion commitments, while Blundell’s return restores stability to the management at close range and behind the lead.
Read: Fans erupt like Clinical New Zealand
Persistence was rewarded after serial speed
Apart from the two changes, the rest of the squad remains unchanged from the New Zealand side that secured an important win in the second test. That win handed the hosts a 1-0 lead after the opening match ended in a miserable draw, despite the series being slim going into the final.
Captain Tom Latham He continues to lead a balanced squad with a strong squad of fighters and all-rounders. Kane WilliamsonDevon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra provide depth and comfort with the bat Glenn Phillips and Michael bracewell Add multidimensional options. The PACE department is in charge Jacob Duffy and supported Zach Foulkes and Michael Raeremains intact. With the series on the line, New Zealand will want to protect the urgency and take full advantage of the home conditions.
New Zealand squad for the third test:
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, will be young.
