September 6, 2024

Fewer chances at home drive Ajaz Patel’s Sub-Continent ambition

When Ajaz Patel last played in India in 2022, he made headlines at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium by taking all 10 Indian wickets in the first innings and finishing the Test with 14 wickets. Now, he’s back in the country, but this time, New Zealand is set to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test starting September 9 in Greater Noida. It will be the first-ever Test between the two nations, and Ajaz is not underestimating the Afghan team.

Speaking to the media before the team’s first training session on Friday, Ajaz acknowledged that returning to India is ‘special.’ However, he noted that the challenge is different this time, as New Zealand will be playing against Afghanistan at a venue they haven’t competed at before.

“Yeah, I guess it’s always special to come back to India, especially after my last game here. And it’s a different challenge now. I guess you know, different surface, different place, different opposition. So, it’s just about looking at what’s in front of us and then assessing what the wicket is doing and how it’s going to play,” Ajaz said on Friday afternoon.

“We have come up with a game plan. We know Afghanistan are a quality team and obviously they don’t have as much experience, but they’ll certainly put up a good fight and certainly grow from every experience that they get and have. So yeah, we’re not going to take them lightly, and then, you know, there’s a lot of cricket to look forward to,” he added.

Ajaz prepared for assignments in the sub-continent

Since his last trip to India, Ajaz has played only five more Tests, with the last four being in the sub-continent, specifically in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Notably, out of the 16 Test matches he has played since his debut, 11 have been in Asia.

Ajaz’s record shows that he’s usually selected only for subcontinent tours, which can be frustrating. However, the left-arm spinner believes such circumstances only increase a player’s drive and determination.

“If you ask all New Zealand spinners about it, it is difficult sometimes. You don’t get as many opportunities at home because of our home conditions, but also, I guess, it breeds more hunger when you do come to conditions like this, and you know, conditions that are spin-friendly, and you’re quite hungry to get out there, and play, and put your best foot forward and perform. But you must prepare accordingly and prepare well. So, it’s just about going into these games and enjoying the conditions and making the most of it,” he added.

‘Remodelled my run-up, looked to grow myself’

Despite taking a 10-wicket haul against a team like India, it’s a hard truth that Ajaz has had difficulty securing a permanent spot in the Test team. While this has disappointed the 35-year-old, he has used the time to refine his bowling techniques and make the most of his limited chances.

“After the ten wickets, you’re a little bit disappointed because you don’t get as many opportunities, but at the same time, as a player, it’s still about growing your game. I’ve kind of somewhat remodelled my run-up and look to grow myself and try and get better. So, it’s always about improving, making sure that you’re ready whenever that next opportunity comes, and putting your hand up,” Ajaz said.

‘Not Getting Too Far Ahead’

Following the Afghanistan series, the Kiwis will come back to India next month for a three-match Test series against Rohit Sharma’s team. However, as Ajaz mentioned, the Tim Southee-led squad is currently concentrating on a single Test against Afghanistan.

“To be honest, currently, we’ve got one game against Afghanistan. That’s the most important game right now. And then I guess once that game is over, we’ll look at Sri Lanka, and then once those two games are over, we’ll look at India. I think it’s really important, like as players we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We have a task in front of us right now and we have to make sure that we’re ready for that. And then, I guess, we can take care of the India stuff,” he said.

Never Miss a Shot! Download our app to stay on top of daily cricket updates and news, no matter where you are.
Install App