New Zealand left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel entered history books after he became only the third bowler in Test cricket to claim ten wickets in an innings. Born in Mumbai, it was a homecoming of sorts for the Kiwi bowler as he witnessed one of the most special days in his international career at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium against India. Patel returned with the figures of 10-119, accounting for all the ten Indian batters in the first innings.
Ajaz's astounding exploits helped him find a place in the elusive club of bowlers to have claimed a ten-wicket haul in a Test inning. He joined the duo of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble to become only the third bowler in Test cricket history to achieve this feat. It is quite fascinating that no pace bowler has ever managed to replicate this feat as all the three bowlers in the club are spinners.
Patel, after claiming four wickets on Day 1 of the Test, added six more scalps to his tally on Day 2. He bowled nearly 48 overs without any support from any other Kiwi bowlers on the field. It was courtesy of his efforts that the visitors managed to bundle out India for 325 in their first innings. It is quite obvious that Ajaz Patel now also holds the record for best bowling performance in an innings for New Zealand. With his 10-wicket haul against India, Patel went past Richard Hadlee's tally of 9-52 against Australia at Brisbane in 1952.
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Congratulatory messages pour in from around the globe
Once Ajaz Patel managed to grab his tenth wicket, wishes began to pour in at various social media platforms, appreciating the 33-year old for his efforts on the field. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble congratulated Ajaz on his achievement on Day 1 & 2 on the Test match and welcomed the left-arm spinner to the club.
Anil Kumble
Welcome to the club #AjazPatel #Perfect10 Well bowled! A special effort to achieve it on Day1 & 2 of a test match. #INDvzNZ
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 4, 2021
Brett Lee
Former Australian quick Brett Lee was in all praise of Ajaz Patel after his brilliant spell of bowling in Mumbai.
Make that 10 fa Ajaz Patel ! Wow 😮
— @BrettLee_58 (@BrettLee_58) December 4, 2021
Ravi Shastri
Former India Head Coach realizes the enormity of the achievement in picking all ten wickets in an innings.
One of the toughest things to do in the game of cricket. To have an entire team in your kitty in an innings is too good to be true. Simply unreal. Well done young man – Ajaz Patel #INDvzNZ #AjazPatel pic.twitter.com/M81eUeSrX4
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 4, 2021
Brendon McCullum
Former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum too couldn't hold on to his excitement as he wrote, “Yaaaas! Ajaz”, on Twitter.
Yaaaas! Ajaz!!!!!
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) December 4, 2021
Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan is a proud teammate as he congratulates Ajaz Patel on his big day.
Genuinely tearing up @AjazP unreal how proud I am of you brother
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) December 4, 2021
BCCI
It was indeed an incredible achievement as even the opposition took notice of this piece of history for Patel.
Incredible achievement as Ajaz Patel picks up all 10 wickets in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test.
He becomes the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to achieve this feat.#INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/5iOsMVEuWq
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2021
