Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell return for final WI Test

Ajaz Patel and Tom Blundell have returned to the Test squad for the third and final match against West Indies, New Zealand Cricket confirmed.

Patel replaces Blair Tickner, who dislocated his shoulder during the just-concluded second Test.

Blundell, New Zealand's first-choice wicketkeeper, played the first Test but suffered a hamstring tear, ruling him out of the second match. Mitch Hay, who made his debut in his place, will return to Canterbury for domestic duties.

Patel, named Player of the Match in his most recent Test appearance in November 2024, could play a home Test for the first time since February 2020.

Head Coach Rob Walter said, "Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required. Bay Oval has typically taken more turn than other surfaces in New Zealand, and the fact he turns the ball away from the right-hander is very appealing. Taking another spinner gives more variance to our bowling attack."

On Blundell, Walter added, "Tom has recovered very well from his hamstring tear. His experience is invaluable, especially with several newer players in the squad. He is a leader in the group."

The rest of the squad is unchanged from the second Test, which New Zealand won to take a 1-0 lead after the opening Test was drawn.

The final Test begins December 18 at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui.

Squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young