Lack of Test opportunities breeds more hunger, says NZ 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.

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