New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel entered the record books with a 10-wicket haul in the first innings of the 2nd Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium. Ajaz, who was born in Mumbai, had a perfect homecoming becoming only the third bowler in history to pick up 10 wickets in an innings in the red-ball format.

Ajaz, who had an average outing in the Kanpur Test, came back strong in Mumbai to make a statement. He bowled 47.5 overs in the 109.5 overs that New Zealand bowlers, returning with 10/119 to reach the illustrious feat.

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

Ajaz Patel picked up four wickets on the first day of the Test only to return and scalp the remaining 6 to reach the feat. The 33-year-old achieved the feat when Mohammed Siraj unleased a wild slog only to top-edge it. Rachin Ravindra holed out to a difficult catch as Ajaz yelled out in joy.

Jim Laker and Anil Kumble had also picked 10 wickets in an innings

Meanwhile, former England cricketer Jim Laker was the first to achieved this feat when he picked up 10 wickets against Australia in 1956. Laker scalped all 10 wickets with 9 out of 11 Aussie batters failing to cross the single-digit mark.

43 years later, former India captain Anil Kumble also achieved the same feat against Pakistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now known as Arun Jaitley Stadium). He returned with figures of 10/74 as India registered a 212 runs victory over the arch-rivals.

Ajaz Patel became only the the third bowler to achieve the illustrious feature, when he scalped 10 wickets on December 4 (Saturday).

Along with it, Ajaz also registered the best bowling figures (10/119) by a visiting bowler in India. He also registered the best figures by a New Zealand bowler and best effort by a bowler in a Test innings against India.

Speaking of the game, India have posted 325 runs riding on an outstanding knock from Mayank Agarwal. He scored 150 and a half-century from Axar Patel hepled the host put up a good first innings total.

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