6 Dec 2021

Family of Black Caps Ajaz Patel in awe over historic performance

From Morning Report, 7:14 am on 6 December 2021

The Black Caps are staring at defeat in the second test in Mumbai but it hasn't taken any shine off the monumental performance of spinner Ajaz Patel, who took all 10 of India's first innings wickets.

Patel is just the third player to achieve the 10 wicket feat in the 144-year history of test cricket.

Global adulation included praise from two of our greatest players.

Sir Richard Hadlee, who held the previous New Zealand record of nine innings wickets, described Patel's display as "delight to watch" while our most decorated spinner, Daniel Vettori, said the feat surpassed Brendon McCullum's triple-century as our finest individual achievement.

Patel's father Yunus told RNZ's First Up the family couldn't believe what they were witnessing on the first day of the test.

“I’m very proud… he’s got very, very big wish to play against in India. Ajaz was born in Bombay, not far from the stadium,” Yunus Patel said.

Patel bagged another four wickets in the second innings resulting in another record, the most wickets in a test match against India.

Ajaz Patel's wife, Nilofer, told Morning Report the whole family was glued to the television screen.

"Our hearts basically stopped.. when he made that amazing catch, we were all screaming and jumping for joy.

"Mum, dad, grandma, were all jumping. We still couldn't believe it".