New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel becomes third man in history to take 10 wickets in an innings

New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel has joined Test cricket’s most exclusive club with one of the most difficult achievements possible on a cricket field.

This is just insane. Photo: Getty Images

New Zealand’s Mumbai-born spinner Ajaz Patel claimed all 10 Indian wickets in the second Test, becoming only the third bowler in cricket history to achieve the feat.

Ajaz, a left-arm spinner, added to his tally of four wickets on the opening day to return figures of 10/119 from 47.5 overs to bowl out India for 325.

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England off-spinner Jim Laker was the first bowler to take a Test ten-for, against Australia in 1956 at Old Trafford.

Indian spin ace Anil Kumble is the only other player ever to do so, against Pakistan in 1999 at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla.

And obviously it’s the greatest figures ever by a New Zealander, beating Sir Richard Hadlee’s 9/52 in 1985.

It was an incredible performance from Patel and left the cricket world in utter shock.

Aussie white-ball skipper Aaron Finch was one who was blown away by the result.

“That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! Ajaz Patel …. what a phenomenal performance,” he tweeted.

Incredible scenes for Ajaz Patel. Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also joined the chorus of praise.

“One of the toughest things to do in the game of cricket. To have an entire team in your kitty in an innings is too good to be true. Simply unreal. Well done young man – Ajaz Patel,” he wrote.

Ex-Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer also jumped on, writing: “Are you watching @anilkumble1074 bhai? Your exclusive club might get a new member today!”

This is phenomenal ! pic.twitter.com/OV7uGI86cI

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) December 4, 2021

Wonderful wonderful achievement and such a beautiful story. Delighted for you #AjazPatel.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2021

WHAT’S JUST HAPPENED HAHAHA

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) December 4, 2021

Wow. All 10 wickets in a test match. Congratulations Ajaz Patel. https://t.co/FUsuhIyXZA

— Prof Shafi Ahmed PhD FRCS (@ShafiAhmed5) December 4, 2021

Ajaz Patel
This will be remembered forever
47.5-12-119-10 simply outstanding..Let me stand and clap 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/T3IZYYn8NZ

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 4, 2021

Ajaz rattled India in the first session with wickets in successive balls to be on a hat-trick before overnight batsman Mayank Agarwal scored 150 to help India to a challenging total.

Ajaz sent back Agarwal, who started the day on 120 with India on 221-4, to break a 67-run stand involving Axar Patel, who made 52.

The wily spinner soon got Axar LBW and wrapped up the Indian innings to be surrounded by jubilant Kiwi players.