Daily Mirror E-Paper

Ajaz Patel’s performance “better” than Kumble and Laker: Dipak Patel

BY BIPIN DANI

Ajaz Patel is the third bowler in the history of grabbing all ten wickets in a Test inning, but his feat is more remarkable than the other two, according to Dipak Patel, the former Kiwi spinner.

Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Auckland on Sunday morning, he said,“both Kumble and

Jim Laker took all ten wickets in the second innings (home Tests), whereas Ajaz’s journey of ten wickets began on the first day (away Test match) itself. I, therefore, reckon Ajaz’s performance is better.”

“It is very very difficult for a bowler to take all ten wickets, and that too, by a spinner, is not easy.”

Interestingly, all three members of the 10-wicket club are spinners. And yes, Kumble did tweet a congratulatory message.

It was Dipak Patel who had advised Ajaz to switch from fast bowling to spin.

“Ajaz’s performance was superb, and that too against the Indian batsmen. The fact that Indian batsmen play spinners well highlights Ajaz’s performance.”

Mumbai-born Ajaz’s family moved to New Zealand many years ago.

“He got to play his first Test only three years ago, but since then he has been taking wickets. He has really worked very hard and the results are there for all to see,” Patel signed off.

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2021-12-06T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-06T08:00:00.0000000Z

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