The New Zealand spinner, Mark Craig, has been ruled out of remaining two matches on India tour as the tall spinner has pulled-off a side strain which has forced him to leave the Indian tour midway. The New Zealand Board have called up the Indian origin right arm off-spinner Jeetan Patel as his replacement. Patel last played a Test match in the year 2013 against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.
Mark Craig pulled off a left side strain during the third innings of the game, he went out to get treatment and did not return after that. From then there was news that he will not bowl further but will come out to bat if the situation demands.
“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,” Hesson said on Monday (September 26).
“Jeetan is up to speed from a bowling load perspective having recently completed a successful county season – so he will be ready for the rigours of Test cricket. He’ll also add invaluable experience to our young spin group.” concluded coach Mike Hesson.
Patel has been rewarded for his stupendous show in the recently concluded County Championship as he scalped 69 wickets in the tournament playing for Warwickshire. He was the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament along with Graham Napier. He was knocking the doors from some time and now he has got his much-deserved chance.
Patel is expected to join the New Zealand camp before the start of the second Test match at in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. Patel will surely have an active role to play in the remainder of the series.
The 36-year-old right arm off break bowler has played 19 Test matches for New Zealand so far in which he has scalped 52 wickets. Patel has an experience of playing 3 Test matches in India in which he has 12 wickets the respective column with best figures of 4/100.
Craig is the third causality to Kiwi camp as earlier Jimmy Neesham , Tim Southee also injured themselves. Neesham missed the first Test match whereas Southee is back to New Zealand and is expected to come back to participate in One-day series.