New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel scripts history as he took all 10 wickets to fall in India’s first innings in Mumbai, on day 2 of the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium. The left-arm spinner has become only the third bowler after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble in Test history to have taken all 10 wickets in an innings.
Patel had finished with four wickets on the first day of the Test and continued his rhythm in the morning session of Day 2. However, Ajaz enjoyed little support from the other end, with the other two spinners going for 100 runs in their 23 overs on a surface that has enough assistance for the spinners. Even though the others bowlers were significantly expensive in comparison, Ajaz Patel was finding his spot and bowled tight lines throughout the innings. He bowled 47.5 overs, gave away only 119 runs on his way to achieve the historic feat.
‘This is what dreams are made of’: Ajaz Patel
Ajaz Patel was born in Mumbai then shifted to Auckland with his family at the age of 8 and started playing club cricket there. In his starting days, he used to ball fast. But, one day he told his coach that he wants to try spin bowling. So, he tried and bowled quite well. And from there on, he never looked back. Used to bowl 1000 balls per day in the nets.
But, the Auckland team had quality spinners at that time and he used to get very few chances to play. So, his coach decided to shift him to Napier. It was hard for Ajaz as he never lived away from his family, so in his starting days in Napier, he suffered from homesickness.
He was the highest wicket-taker in the Plunkett Shield for three successive seasons from 2015/16. With such a strong performance behind him, the international call-up was almost on the door and it came in late 2018 when Patel was selected for the tour to the UAE to play Pakistan. He didn’t disappoint, as he took a fifer in his debut match, at Abu-Dhabi.
And now after 25 years, a dream homecoming for New Zealand’s India-born spinner Ajaz Patel, who achieved the historic feat at his birthplace. Life has come full circle for him. Now when he’ll think back to the decision he made as an 18-year-old to drop bowling fast and turn to spin, he’ll be very proud. Ajaz was also a member of the New Zealand squad, who won the World test Championship in June this year.
“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 surreal and to be able to do that in my career is pretty special. The stars have aligned for me to do it in Mumbai. I’m in very illustrious company with Kumble sir as well,” said Ajaz after achieving the historic feat.
Records Broken
1. Ajaz Patel’s figures of 10/119 is the best by a New Zealand bowler.
2. This is the best innings bowling figure by a visiting spinner in India.
3. Patel’s 10/119 is the best bowling figure in a Test innings against India.
4. Ajaz Patel has become the first left-arm spinner to reach this landmark.
5. Ajaz registered his third Test five-wicket haul in Asia, the joint-third-most by a Kiwi bowler with Tim Southee.
6. Ajaz has become the first NZ spinner to take a five-for in the first innings of a Test in India.
