Apart from the fact that frontline left-arm spinner, Ajaz Patel, has the opportunity to be a part of the XI for all of New Zealand's six Test matches spanning the next couple of months after having been a part of only five out of the side's 19 previous games, the 35-year-old has a lot more to look forward to in terms of having the opportunity of a lifetime to acquire a wealth of information from Sri Lankan great, Rangana Herath, who has been roped in as the spin-bowling coach of New Zealand for the first three of those Tests.
Patel likened similar aspects which he could observe between himself and Herath as well as expressed a virtually unparalleled moment to having the opportunity to imbibe the skill of spin-bowling from the Lankan luminary.
"If you look at me and you look at Rangana, we're pretty similar in terms of our build and body types. While developing and growing my spin, I kind of watched him with a lot of admiration. So really, really special to have him here and for me. It's a great opportunity to spend some time with him and really understand how he crafted spin bowling. He was obviously very, very successful and a phenomenal bowler so it's just a great opportunity for me personally and to learn a lot from him," stated Patel, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Patel also admitted how despite not getting as many games as spinners like him would want back Down Under, there's an insatiable quest for doing the best one when provided with the opportunity of touring a spin-friendly nation.
"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. 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. So, it's just about going into these games and really enjoying the conditions and making the most of it," mentioned Patel.
It's always about improving and making sure that you're ready: Patel
The left-arm spinner also shed light on his sentiments after not really getting included in the red-ball setup as a regular even after a marvellous ten-wicket haul he registered against India in December 2021. However, he seemed positive in his outlook which clearly conveyed that he was more than an eager learner for bettering his skillset despite the setback.
"Look, I think you know 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. I guess after the ten wickets, obviously, you're a little bit disappointed because you don't get as many opportunities but at the same time as a player, it's still about growing your game and it's an opportunity to develop and grow.
"And I mean since my ten wickets, I've somewhat remodelled my run-up and look to grow myself and try and get better. So, it's always about improving and making sure that you're ready whenever that next opportunity comes and putting your hand up," added Patel.
Patel's last competitive game was in the 2023/24 edition of the Plunket Shield which he played in March. In the eight games he played for the Central Districts, Patel managed to secure 26 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.72, the lowest amongst the top 15 wicket-takers of that particular season.
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