Hyderabad, Aug24: Jeetan Patel made his Test debut in 2006. Between then and now, he has been part of only 14 Test matches for New Zealand, including the current one against India in Hyderabad. Since the beginning of his career, the Kiwi off-spinner has been bearing the brunt of being the second-best spinner in the country, after Daniel Vettori.
In Vettori’s absence due to groin injury, Patel has got an opportunity to add to his tally of Tests matches. And although his team has its back to the wall with a score of 106 for five at the end of Day 2, Patel has figures of four for 100 to show for his efforts in India’s first innings.
During the post-day media interaction, Patel revealed how he has tweaked his action and more importantly, changed his attitude to be able to enjoy considerable success of late.
Excerpts:
On whether there is pressure on him since he’s replacing Daniel Vettori
There is no additional pressure. I have come back into this side; I look at it as an opportunity to play. For me, it is just another chance to play for New Zealand and to do what I love doing. I don’t think it’s any extra pressure. The only thing is making sure I enjoy every moment I get. There aren’t too many opportunities when I get to play Test cricket, so when I do, I got to put my hand up. I want to contribute and get wins for us. Obviously, getting a four-for is nice but I will have to get more than that to get us over the line.
On whether his stint at county cricket is the key to his progress
I don’t think it’s just county cricket. A couple of years ago, I made a couple of changes to my action and my mental approach to the game is different now. I’m trying to enjoy a lot more the moments that I play as opposed to looking at it as if it is my last moment. That sort of mental attitude has put me in the forefront of what’s happening rather than what has happened. Getting an opportunity in county cricket was very good for me. I needed four months of just bowling as many overs as I could.
On how the wicket had behaved on both days
It is still low and slow for the seamers; it is not bouncing much. But it is starting to turn some more, which you’d expect. Probably it’s a little bit earlier than we expected.
On the road ahead for New Zealand in the Test
Every opportunity you get, you have got a chance to win a game. We have got the opportunity tomorrow. We have face up to the music, stand up and fight for what we know. The best thing is that Kiwis know how to fight. Tomorrow is a good chance to get back in, understand the situation is and what is going to come out. Hopefully, if we get things right, we will be closer to getting back into the game.
