Ajaz Patel is one of a few spinners who are dominating the Plunket Shield, so he answered some questions for us.

You're currently enjoying success with Central Districts, but you moved down there from Auckland a few seasons ago. Explain the decision to move to CD...

The move from Auckland was brought about because of the desire to play first class cricket and with established spinners already in the Auckland squad it was very difficult to get a chance there. So I spoke to Alan Hunt about moving to CD and they were very welcoming of the move and although there were no guarantees that I would play they provided me with enough incentive to make the move. From then on it was up to me to perform for Taradale Cricket Club, Hawkes Bay and show my worth to the selectors for the top team.

Any thoughts on why spinners are enjoying such success in Plunket Shield cricket? It seems every game has a spinner taking plenty of wickets...

I think we are seeing a change in New Zealand cricket and a more conscious effort from curators to ensure that our wickets are breaking up towards the back of 4-day games. I believe this is a good thing for New Zealand cricket as it not only creates better players of spin and players that can also succeed in tours to more spin friendly conditions, but it also improves the quality of our spinners in New Zealand because there is more encouragement for spinners to look to spin the ball. There was a brief period there were we had a lot of spinners who weren't big turners of the ball, but with more encouraging conditions players are looking to take full advantage of that and I think this is where there is a lot of success in the way that spinners in the country are now approaching their bowling.

What are some challenges you face as a left-arm spinner compared to the three leg-spinners in domestic cricket (Tarun Nethula, Todd Astle and Ish Sodhi)? 

Each of those spinners are of a high quality in their own right and being leg spinners they get more on the ball, they also have a lot more variations to play around with and most importantly all of them can turn the ball both ways. As a finger spinner you don't have as much spin on the ball so you really have to work hard and get the most you can out of the ball. Action becomes really important. Also, most finger spinners only turn the ball one way and are limited with variations to changes of pace, changes of angle, arm ball, slider, and stock orthodox deliveries.

Which spinners have you looked at and tried to learn the most from?

There are plenty of current and past left-arm spinners that I have closely look at and picked out what made/makes them successful to try and adapt to my game. Firstly you cannot look past Daniel Vettori. I think every left-arm spinner in NZ has wished they could bowl like him as he has been so successful throughout his career and not only in New Zealand but he was also very consistent in touring conditions and a threat wherever NZ toured. His changes in pace were a masterclass for any spinner and the ways in which he drew batsman into playing the ball where he wanted it to go was something quite amazing. 

Rangana Herath is someone who I have enjoyed bowling because he reminds me so much of myself in terms of height and body type. He is also someone like Vettori who has been quite successful as he is constantly asking questions of batsmen and asking them to create something. His slider is great to watch and his mastery of turning a few past the bat and then getting one to go straight on is tough for a lot of batsmen.

Dipak Patel. Dipak has helped me a lot since I switched to spin bowling, he has been my mentor throughout my career and has always been a wealth of knowledge and experience whenever required. He has been really big on me about getting a good drive at the crease and spending more time on the ball so that is something I take with me to every game and every training session.

What are some of your key strengths as a spin bowler? 

I believe that my strengths lie in first and foremost being able to spin the ball, and secondly my ability to keep asking batsmen questions on a regular basis over long periods of time. I do enjoy the little battles between the bowler and the batsmen and the small games played between the two.

Were there any areas of weakness (general cricket) that you spent a lot of time working on over winter?

To be honest I spent more time on my strengths then on my weaknesses when it came to bowling because one of the most important things as a spinner is consistency and that comes from practice and repetition. I did a lot of work over the winter months in the Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club indoor centre (in Auckland) and most of my work in relation to bowling is done from a still position at the crease. I worked hard on getting through the crease and spending as much time on the ball as possible to make my stock delivery as dangerous as possible. I also spent a fair bit of time over the winter working on my slider as I feel this is a ball that could be very useful in my bowling.

What are some training drills/skills that you ensure that you do every training session?

Crease work is a must for me. Most of my trainings will start with me bowling from a standing position and then I will gradually take it back to my full run/walk.

What advice would you give to a young spinner in Aotearoa?

SPIN THE BALL, as hard as you can, ALWAYS! 

Are there any cricket moments that have left you in awe? 

I think I will never forget my debut for CD against Wellington in a 20/20 when Jesse Ryder took us apart and he made the game look so easy, he just looked like he had all the time in the world and was in full control. He hit me for a few huge sixes! I'm quite glad he's a part of our team now to be honest.

If you've got a week off in summer, where will you be and what will you be doing?

I will be at home spending time with family and friends, usually keeping it pretty relaxed.

Who's the funniest/tells the best stories in the CD Stags team?

Seth Rance & Marty Kain. They always have the boys in fits!

Favourite ground?

I'm quite privileged to play professionally and play at some great venues but I don't think I have a favourite ground yet.

Favourite CD batsman to dismiss in the nets? 

William Young. Me and him always have a good time challenging each other.