Ajaz Patel, a left-arm spin bowler from New Zealand, has been named Matthew Kuhnemann‘s substitute in Durham’s team for the County Championship Division Two 2023. Kuhnemann is presently out with a back injury suffered during a game against Glamorgan last month. After making an incredible debut against India in the just-finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, the Australian has recently generated a lot of hype. Notably, the first-time bowler had taken nine wickets in three games and played a significant role in helping his team win the third Test in Indore.
According to rumors, Ajaz Patel will make his county debut with Durham and will join the team in time for their matchup with Yorkshire.
The 34-year-old will fill the position of specialist spinner in the squad as Matt Parkinson is no longer with the team, despite rumours that he will only be available for a maximum of seven games.
Every time I’ve had the chance to play county cricket, I’ve had a great time, and I’m really happy and glad to be joining Durham. I’ve heard fantastic things about the club and can’t wait to visit and participate. ESPN Cricinfo cited Patel as saying:.
Marcus North, the director of cricket for Durham, stated in a similar vein, “With the loss of Matt Kuhnemann, it was important that we brought in a spinner that will continue to strengthen and balance our red ball side, and with the addition of Ajaz Patel, this should enable us to continue to be effective in all conditions.”
“We are thrilled to have signed Ajaz Patel, another international spinner, to a contract. Ajaz has demonstrated success internationally and in international cricket with New Zealand, according to North.
Only three bowlers have ever taken ten wickets in an innings of a test match, and Ajaz Patel is the third.
The Bombay-born (now Mumbai) cricketer has also been playing well for the BlackCaps on the international circuit, with 48 wickets in 14 games and a respectable average of 31.45. His first-class statistics are similarly convincing, with over 300 wickets taken in 88 appearances for Central Districts.
He attracted a lot of attention for his outstanding performance against India during a home tour, when he took all 10 of the opposition’s wickets, becoming the first bowler from New Zealand and third overall to accomplish this rare accomplishment. Notably, the other two are Anil Kumble, a former Indian leg spinner, and Jim Laker, a former Englishman.
Speaking about County Championship Division Two, Durham is comfortably in the lead after playing four games, winning two of them, while drawing one and losing one to Sussex. The following match between Durham and Yorkshire will start on May 11 at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Ground.
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