Just Playing At The Wankhede Was Special For Me - Ajaz Patel

New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel expressed delight at the fact that his historic 10-wicket haul happened in his hometown, Mumbai. The left-arm spinner achieved the unthinkable at the Wankhede against India, claiming all ten wickets in the innings.

Ajaz became only the third bowler in Test history after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble breach the milestone. Eventually, he finished the first innings with figures of 10/119 and went on to grab four more in the second innings to register the best match figures in Tests against India.

“It is a very good feeling, picking all ten wickets in a single Test innings is a big feat. Anil Kumble and Jim Laker are big names, both of them have a big number of wickets in their kitty. So being alongside them is a special feat and to do it in Mumbai, which is my birthplace, makes it all the more special.”

“I never thought that I would be able to achieve this kind of feat in Mumbai. Just playing at the Wankhede was special for me. I never thought that I will be able to take so many wickets in Mumbai. It is destiny I feel,” Ajaz told ANI.

Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli coming to congratulate me is a big thing – Ajaz Patel

Following Ajaz Patel’s incredible achievement, the Wankhede crowd was on its feet applauding the rare feat. The Indian dressing room was also appreciated the performance, with head coach Rahul Dravid and captain, Virat Kohli, heading into the Kiwi dressing room to congratulate the 33-year-old Ajaz.

“I do not know whether I will get a chance to get as many wickets again but the intention would always be to pick more wickets. Rahul Dravid congratulated me, he came to acknowledge me in the dressing room and this is a very big thing for me. We all know about the history of Dravid.”

“Virat Kohli also congratulated me. He is the leader of India and if he is coming to acknowledge you, it is a big thing. Mohammed Siraj congratulated me and then Ravichandran Ashwin took my interview and presented me the signed Indian jersey. Sportsmanship is a big part of our game,” Ajaz said.

Although Ajaz had a terrific game, his team ended up losing the Test by 372 runs to concede the Test series 0-1.

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