Ajaz Patel on dismissing Rishabh Pant in Mumbai: Had to think out of the box
Ajaz Patel said that he had to “think out of the box” to dismiss Rishabh Pant on Day 3 of the third Test between India and New Zealand. On Sunday, November 3, Ajaz had a dream outing after he helped the Black Caps win by 25 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
IND v NZ, 3rd Test in Mumbai: Highlights
Ajaz won the Player of the Match award after he finished with figures of 14.1-1-57-6 in the second innings, helping the Kiwis bowl India out for 121 while defending 146. Pant was threatening to take the match away from the visitors with a knock of 64 off 57 balls with nine fours and one six.
But Ajaz dismissed Pant after the batter found an inside edge for Tom Blundell to take a simple catch. Pant gave India hopes of chasing down the target, but after his dismissal, the home team collapsed big time.
“He has batted phenomenally throughout the series, I had to think out of the box and made sure to come up with a new plan and stay ahead of him,” Ajaz said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
‘Spin bowling is about rhythm’
Ajaz had also taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in the series with 15 wickets from five Tests at an average of 23.80. Ajaz said he once he got his rhythm, he started to find his confidence.
“Spin bowling is about rhythm. When you are in rhythm it is about making the most of it, taking it by the horns and helping your team. I felt confident even in the morning session [on day two] but the wicket did not offer me much. After lunch I got the confidence to toss it up and use my guile,” Ajaz added.
Ajaz also made the record for most wickets by an overseas bowler at a single venue in Test cricket. The tweaker currently has 25 wickets from two Tests at the Wankhede Stadium.
