Not Getting Many Test Opportunities Breeds More Hunger, Says New Zealand Spinner Ajaz Patel

Disappointed that he did not get many opportunities to play Test cricket following his historic 10-wicket haul, Ajaz Patel believes that such setbacks only intensify the drive and ambition in New Zealand spinners to prove themselves in the subcontinent. Spinners from New Zealand frequently face a challenging environment at home to showcase their skills as pitches and conditions there offer more assistance to seamers. "If you ask all New Zealand spinners, it is difficult. Sometimes, obviously you don't get as many opportunities at home because of our home conditions," Patel told reporters here on Friday ahead of New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan, which begins from September 9.

"But 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 it's really important that you do prepare accordingly and prepare well," he added.

The 35-year-old Mumbai born left-arm spinner, who was rewarded with a central contract earlier this year, had taken all 10 Indian wickets in the first innings of the Mumbai Test in 2021 to become only the third bowler behind Jim Laker and Anil Kumble to achieve the feat.

Since then he has played just five Tests for New Zealand, and four of which were in the sub continent. But Patel understands the reason behind the scarce opportunities.

"We're in a professional environment and for us it's really important to just go out there and continue to work on our game and keep improving and keep growing.

"After the 10 wickets obviously you're a little bit disappointed that you don't get as many opportunities but at the same time as a player it's still