Ajaz Patel made Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai his own. During the second and final Test against India, the New Zealand spinner took the remaining six wickets on the second day of the encounter to become the only man in the history of Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings. He joined a three-member exclusive club of Anil Kumble (India) and Jim Laker (England).

Ajaz reached the historic milestone after dismissing the Indian tail, Mohammed Siraj. Even though ice ran through Ajaz’s veins, he recalled the moments before taking his 10th wicket.

Siraj, on the strike, looked to swat Ajaz for a boundary but mistimed his shot. The ball went up high only to come wobbling down in Rachin Ravindra’s hands, who took a comfortable catch.

“It was a nervous time. We backed Rachin to take it, but the ball wobbled and we were all nervous,” he said. “I told Neil Wagner, during drinks, that I was more nervous now than I was all game. We don’t have these moments as cricketers often.” 

New Zealand’s ongoing tour of India is turning out to be a special one for Ajaz Patel.

In the first Test in Kanpur, he was part of a dramatic rearguard effort alongside Rachin Ravindra as they held off an Indian spin attack to draw the Test.

Ajaz made his Test debut in 2018, against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, and has since played 10 further Tests. Before the Mumbai Test, he had taken 29 wickets at an average of 32.48.

On Saturday, they came in a flurry. His average improved significantly – it sits at 28.10 currently – and he is now the toast of the game.

He also commented on the historic feat that he achieved.

“I remember his 10-for,” Ajaz said after the day’s play. “I have seen highlights of that game plenty of times. It’s a very illustrious group to be a part of, it’s great to see his message and his kind words. Humbled and fortunate to be in that company.”

It was a dream homecoming for the Mumbai-born cricketer. The Indian city was his home before he moved to New Zealand.

“Honestly, it’s surreal, and to be able to do that in my career is pretty special,” he said. “The stars have aligned for me to do it in Mumbai.