New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel named ICC Player of the Month for December

New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel has been voted as the ICC Player of the Month for December for his historic 10-wicket haul against India in Mumbai, the governing body announced on Monday. 

Indian opener Mayank Agarwal and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc were also nominated for the award, but Patel’s incredible achievement saw him edge his rivals for the award. 

Patel took 14 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in the second of the two-Test series played from December 3-6, including all ten wickets in the first innings. The feat saw the Mumbai-born spinner become only the third player in Test history to achieve the feat, after England’s Jim Laker and Indian spin legend Anil Kumble. 

However, the 33-year-old’s heroics went in vain as India registered a thumping 372-run win against the Kiwis, who were without captain Kane Williamson, to seal the series 1-0. 

“Personally I think one of the greatest cricketing days in my life. And it will probably always be,” Patel said after the match. 

Meanwhile, former South African all-rounder JP, one of the members of the ICC Voting Academy for December lauded Patel for his achievement. 

“What a historic achievement! Taking 10 wickets in an innings is a feat that needs to be celebrated. There’s no doubt that Ajaz performance is a milestone that will be remembered for years to come,” he was quoted as saying on the ICC website.