‘A special effort’ – The reactions after Ajaz Patel takes historic 10-for
In doing so, he joined an elite club comprising only two other players – England legend Jim Laker and India’s Anil Kumble.
In Test cricket’s long history, only three players have managed this feat so far – the tributes that roared in were in keeping with the magnitude of the achievement.
Kumble led the plaudits, pointing out that reaching the mark in the first two days of a Test made it that much more special.
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
Kumble’s one-time spin partner Harbhajan Singh, and former India coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri, also lauded Patel.
Ajaz Patel
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 4, 2021
This will be remembered forever
47.5-12-119-10 simply outstanding..Let me stand and clap 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/T3IZYYn8NZ
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 #INDvzNZ #AjazPatel pic.twitter.com/M81eUeSrX4
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) December 4, 2021
Of course, nobody was prouder of Patel than fellow New Zealanders.
I have been privileged to see some incredible things from @BLACKCAPS in my 15 years of commentary and today is right up there. @AjazP That was special mate. 👌🏻#class #10fer #cricket #history #mumbai
— Simon Doull (@Sdoull) December 4, 2021
Wow!!! Just caught up with Ajaz Patel’s perfect 10?! #extraordinary 🤸🏽 Magical in #Mumbai 👏 #INDvzNZ @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/PWOa0RaWJt
— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) December 4, 2021
Yaaaas! Ajaz!!!!!
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) December 4, 2021
More cricket luminaries weighed in.
Sensational! Just sensational!! To take all 10 wickets in a Test innings is the stuff dreams are made of. Take a bow, Ajaz Patel, you are in the elite company of Jim Laker and Anil kumble. And to do it in the city of your birth, wow!! pic.twitter.com/iA6biAC4gz
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 4, 2021
That’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen!! Ajaz Patel….what a phenomenal performance
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) December 4, 2021
Wonderful wonderful achievement and such a beautiful story. Delighted for you #AjazPatel.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2021
One of the most difficult things to achieve in the game. 10 wickets in an innings. A day to remember for the rest of your life, #AjazPatel . Born in Mumbai, creating history in Mumbai.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 4, 2021
Congratulations on the historic achievement. pic.twitter.com/hdOe67COdK