The left-arm spinner etched his name in the record books after claiming all 10 wickets of India’s first innings. With that, Patel became only the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to pick up all ten wickets in Test innings. He dismissed Mohammed Siraj to complete a perfect 10-wicket haul on the second day of the Mumbai Test.
The Black Caps spinner joined the elite list featuring England’s Jim Laker and India’s Anil Kumble, who have previously achieved similar landmarks in the longest format. Laker had registered astonishing figures of 10 for 53 against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, whereas Kumble had taken 10 scalps for 74 against arch-rivals Pakistan in New Delhi.
Kumble, who was the second bowler to take 10-fer in an innings, took to Twitter and congratulated Patel. The Indian legend welcomed Patel to the special club.
“Welcome to the club #AjazPatel #Perfect10 Well bowled! A special effort to achieve it on Day1 & 2 of a test match. #INDvzNZ,” tweeted Kumble.
“I think I am very fortunate”: Patel after achieving the grand milestone
After resuming Day 2 at 221/4, India were eventually bowled out for 325 during the second session. Opener Mayank Agarwal, who hit a century on the opening day, went on to score 150 before Patel got rid of him. All-rounder Axar Patel chipped in with a notable contribution down the order to help India cross the 300-run benchmark. He hit his maiden half-century in Tests and scored 52 runs.
After the phenomenal achievement, Patel said that the ‘stars have aligned’ for him to accomplish the unreal feat. The Mumbai-born-New Zealander also acknowledged the fact that he shares the company with legends Laker and Kumble.
“Quite a special occasion for me and not just me but my family. Unfortunately for me, they’re not here because of Covid. Honestly, it’s pretty surreal, I don’t think you will ever believe that you would achieve something like this, so to do it in my career is pretty special,” said Patel while talking to Murali Kartik on Day 2.
“I think I am very fortunate. The stars have aligned for me to have an occasion like that here in Mumbai. To be born here and come back here and do it is pretty special. I’m in very illustrious company, with Kumble sir as well,” he added.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.