Agency :
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel became the third bowler in Test history to take 10 wickets in an innings as he dismissed India in his birth city of Mumbai.
Left-armer Patel – who emigrated with his family as a child – matched the feat of India off-spinner Anil Kumble against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999 and England off-spinner Jim Laker against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956.
Patel’s milestone moment came when India tailender Mohammed Siraj top-edged a slog-sweep to Rachin Ravindra on the second afternoon at Wankhede Stadium.
Patel finished with 10-119 from 47.5 overs as India were all out for 325 in 109.5 overs in their first innings – before New Zealand were skittled for just 62 in reply to concede a first-innings deficit of 263.
Patel’s victims included Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja for ducks, as well as top-scorer Mayank Agarwal (150) and namesake Axar Patel (52).
Speaking after his 10-wicket haul, Patel said: “It is pretty surreal. I don’t think you ever really believe that you are going to achieve something like that, so to do it is pretty special. I am in illustrious company.
“I think I am very fortunate. The stars have aligned for me to have an occasion like that here in Mumbai, the place I was born. It was quite a special occasion for me and my family.
“It was about finding good rhythm and being repetitive, asking good questions of the batters.”
England and Kent wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings told Sky Sports News: “I don’t think people realise how hard this is, especially in India.
“These guys play spin so well so to go over to their own backyard, on what is a notoriously good batting pitch, is an incredible achievement. It’s truly amazing and he is a great guy so everyone will be chuffed for him.”
The 33-year-old picked up four wickets one day one – Shubman Gill (44) caught at slip, Pujara bowled, Kohli pinned lbw and Shreyas Iyer (18) caught behind – as India closed on 221-4.
Patel then snared the final six wickets on day two, starting when he had India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha (27) trapped lbw with a ball that skidded on in the first over of the morning.
Ashwin was out next delivery, bowled off stump by a beauty that spun just enough to pass the bat, as India slipped to 224-6.
Agarwal then departed shortly after reaching 150 for the third time in Tests as Patel had him caught behind to leave India 291-7 and the bowler sensing a 10-wicket haul.
Axar – who added 67 with Agarwal for the eighth wicket – become Patel’s eighth victim when he was out leg before following a successful New Zealand review.
