There are a very few moments when the cricket world unites to celebrate an individual player's feat and Saturday, December 4th, will remain witness to one such achievement! Kiwi left arm orthodox bowler Ajaz Patel brought Wankhede Stadium on its feet as he became only the third bowler in Test cricket to take all 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match.
Incidentally, the Mumbai-born Kiwi bowler achieved the feat in Mumbai itself, during the 2nd Test against India. The other two gentlemen in the elite club are England's Jim Laker and India's Anil Kumble.
Incredible achievement as Ajaz Patel picks up all 10 wickets in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2021
He becomes the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to achieve this feat.#INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/5iOsMVEuWq
Ajaz Patel's terrific 10/119 vs India
Patel's achievement came on Day 2 of the second Test match. He had already picked up four wickets on Day 1 and what followed on the second day was sheer artistry from the 33-year-old. In his 47.5 overs, he gave away 119 runs and dismissed the entire Indian batting unit. Mohammed Siraj became his 10th victim when the Indian lofted one up to be caught by Rachin Ravindra at mid on. His feat was appreciated by Kumble himself as he welcomed Patel to the 10-wicket club.
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
Jim Laker's Gigantic 10/53 vs Australia
The English off-spinner was the first one to have achieved the 10-wicket-in-an-innings feat way back in 1956! Playing against Australia at Old Trafford, Laker took 9 wickets for 37 runs in the first innings of the fourth Test and then followed it up with a 10-fer (10/53) in the second innings to bundle Australia out for 205. Len Maddocks was his 10th scalp, where he had trapped his opponent leg before wicket.
Watch Laker's 19 wickets:
(Video hosted by englandwc06)
Anil Kumble's theraputic 10/74 vs Pakistan
One of the most iconic spinners India has ever produced, Anil Kumble was the second cricketer to get on this rare achievement list. Kumble entered the history books when he single-handedly destroyed Pakistan in the last innings during the second Test in 1999. The leg-spinner had taken 4/75 in the first innings and then bettered his performance with a 10/74 in the second. Chasing 420, Pakistan was all out for 207 runs. VVS Laxman's catch at forward short leg to dismiss Wasim Akram fetched Kumble the precious honours.
Watch Kumbler's 10-fer:
(Video hosted by Cricket Clock)
