New Zealand focus on spin for Proteas Tests

Wellington: New Zealand have boosted their spin options against South Africa by including Jeetan Patel in a 13-man squad for the three-Test series against the Proteas beginning next week.

Jimmy Neesham were other player recalled to the squad on Friday, coming in at the expense of quick Matt Henry and batsman Dean Brownlie.

Selectors also confirmed that short-ball specialist Neil Wagner was fit for the series after a hand injury last month put him under an injury cloud.

As expected, there was no room for opening bat Martin Guptill, despite his unbeaten 180 this week in the fourth one-day international against the Proteas in Hamilton.

Chief selector Gavin Larsen said Patel had the ability to turn the ball away from South Africa's left-handers, complementing fellow spinner Mitchell Santner.

The first Test begins in Dunedin on Wednesday followed by two more in Wellington and Hamilton later this month.

Before then, the Black Caps and South Africa face-off in an Auckland decider on Saturday for the one-day series, which is currently locked at 2-2.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt) Jeet Raval, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wk), Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Jeetan Patel, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult

In: Jimmy Neesham, Jeetan Patel

Out: Matt Henry, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs India - 4th T20I 2nd T20I - Australia v Pakistan - November 16, 08:00 GMT 4th T20I - West Indies v England - November 16, 20:00 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v England at St. Lucia England won by 3 wickets (with 4 balls remaining) 1st T20I - Australia v Pakistan at Brisbane Australia won by 29 runs

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