We've got a new entry on this list of best ever Test bowling figures in an innings.
tobias: "what's interesting on that list of wicket takers is that Laker, Kumble and now Patel are all nearly exactly 1000 tests apart "
1.03pm: Ajaz was envolopped in a group bear hug by the New Zealanders. This is an incredible moment. Ajaz has given new meaning to 'carrying the attack on his own'. India still got to 325, thanks to Mayank Agarwal's magnificent 150. As fine an innings as that was, and as important a role as Axar played with fifty - this is all about Ajaz. He's bowled 47.5 overs out of the 109.5 that New Zealand bowled. All ten wickets. Stunning.
Rupam: "Magical from Ajaz. Out of the 3 he is the only one to get it away from home? His performance should give the whole team some additional enthusiasm!!" ---- Indeed Rupam, he's the only one to do it away from home.
MD Nizam Uddin: "Absolutely unbelievable, Since my childhood always I hear about Anil Kumble's 10 wicket hall. What a performance, what a day "
Arun Prakash: "Kumble had a Srinath who bowled one full over with the intention of not taking any wickets but Ajaz didn't need someone like that. He did it all by himself."
Blake Houlihan: "A great moment, in front of a wonderful crowd in Mumbai, applauding generously for Patels achievement. Beautiful to watch! Thank you Indian fans!"
Ashish: "Wow, what a performance by Ajaz! Even if supporting India!Anyone else noticed just how many times there's been a wicket the very next ball after a boundary / DRS shout? " --- Indeed. Every close call just seemed to spur him on to bowl another magic ball!
Mohammed Siraj c Ravindra b Patel 4 (5m 3b 1x4 0x6) SR: 133.33
Now then... four balls left in this over and Ajaz has Nos. 10 and 11 batting. With No.11, Siraj, on strike. Could it happen...? Meanwhile, Ajaz is only the second New Zealand bowler to take 9, and only the second spinner.
J Yadav c Ravindra b Patel 12 (39m 31b 2x4 0x6) SR: 38.70
A lot of feedback asking about potential declarations by India if Ajaz gets 9. I think for India, runs are far more important than a bowler getting a unique achievement against them.
END OF OVER:109 | 5 Runs | IND: 321/8
- Umesh Yadav0 (2b)
- Jayant Yadav12 (29b)
- William Somerville19-0-80-0
- Ajaz Patel47-12-115-8