South Africa vs New Zealand: 3rd Test, 5 Talking Points

#4 Jeetan Patel vs Mitchell Santner

Santner has not quite lived up to his reputation as an all-rounder in Tests

The Patel-Santner debate has no end. While three months back, Santner was deemed good enough to be the primary spinner for a series of India, Jeetan Patel has suddenly stepped up and shown some serious skills to come back into the reckoning.

While age is a factor in considering Santner ahead of Patel, the latter has put up a real fine display in recent times. Meanwhile, Santner has been patchy with the bat - batting is one reason he is in ahead of Patel - and mediocre with the ball.

There is no doubting that the future lies with Santner but Patel seems to be enjoying a rather late golden period, and it would be a harsh call to drop him after his recent performances for the New Zealand Test side. Given his experience in England conditions and recent exploits in the ODIs, a Champions Trophy in June does not seem far fetched.