3 India-born players in Kiwi XI vs Pak

Abu Dhabi, November 16

Ajaz Patel, who made his debut for New Zealand against Pakistan in the first Test today, is the third India-born player in the current playing XI.

Left-arm spinner Patel, 30, was born in Mumbai in 1988 but moved to New Zealand when his family migrated to that country in 1996.

The two other India-born players in the New Zealand team are leg-spinner Ish Sodhi (born in Ludhiana in 1992) and batsman Jeet Raval (born in Gujarat in 1988).

Patel started off as a pace bowler but realised that at 5ft 6in, he really didn’t have the height to be successful at the top level as a pacer. He switched to bowling spin and did quite well in the New Zealand domestic structure — he was the top wicket-taker in first-class cricket there for three years in a row. In the latest first-class season, he was instrumental in his team, Central Districts, winning the title, taking 48 wickets at 21.52. This performance prompted a call-up for New Zealand duty, with the team facing the prospect of turning tracks against Pakistan in the UAE. Patel made his T20I debut for New Zealand against Pakistan late last month. Incidentally, Patel has been coached by Dipak Patel, who played 37 Tests for New Zealand. Born in Nairobi, Dipak Patel too traced his origins to the Indian Subcontinent. Another Patel, Jeetan, played 24 Tests for New Zealand, though he was born in Wellington in that country.

Two other India-born cricketers to play for New Zealand are Ted Badcock (7 Tests in 1930-33) and Tom Puna (3 Tests in 1966). — Agencies

Pak take charge as NZ bowled out for 153

Abu Dhabi: Leg-spinner Yasir Shah led a double-barrelled attack of spin and pace to leave Pakistan sitting comfortably on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand. 

Brief Scores: NZ: 153 (Williamson 63, Nicholls 26; Yasir 3/54); Pak: 59/2 (Haris 22*)