Jeetan Patel has been named as the replacement for the injured Mark Craig, who will miss the remaining two Tests in the series against India due to a side strain.
Although he picked up just two wickets in the Kanpur Test, Craig looked to be bowling with a good rhythm and troubled the Indian batsmen regularly. He also picked up his 50th Test wicket during India’s second innings.
Despite the injury, Craig came out to bat on the final day of the first Test. He lasted for just two deliveries, scoring one run before Mohammed Shami bowled him.
Speaking about Craig’s injury, Kiwis coach Mike Hesson said: “We’re really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he’s put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain.”
Craig’s replacement Patel has played 19 Tests for the Blackcaps, having picked up 52 wickets at an average of 48.46. He last played a Test against South Africa in January 2013.
Patel was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the 2016 County Championship, where he picked up 69 wickets for Warwickshire.
The remaining two Tests will be in Kolkata and Indore, with the pitches expected to assist the spinners just like Kanpur.
