New Zealand cricket team spinner Ajaz Patel expressed keen interest in returning to play at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai for the IND vs NZ 3rd Test. The Kiwi cricketer took his only ten-wicket haul in his Test career when he played at the same venue in 2021. Despite not having tasted succuess in Pune, Patel is confident of replicating his heroics from 2021 in Mumbai as New Zealand look to seal the series 2-1.
Ajaz Patel keen tor return to Mumbai for IND vs NZ 3rd Test
Ajaz Patel is no stranger to Mumbai and is in fact more familiar with the Maharastra capital much before that fateful Test in 2021. Acknowledging that his roots “deeply connected to Mumbai”, the spinner can’t wait to step on the Wankdehe outfield once again. In what was a memorable season in 2021, he went on to become the only third bowler to bag 10 wickets in an innings in Tests.
“Being back in Mumbai is always quite special and it’s a place I call home as well. Having the opportunity to play out here again is quite special. To be honest, after my 10-wicket haul, I wasn’t sure whether I’d get another opportunity to play out here again throughout my career,” he said.
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Ajaz Patel admitted that India was not the easiest opposition to come against, given their expertise in turning conditions. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma and co’s skill set was vast and that the New Zealand spinners had to try and apply pressure for long periods in order for the batters to make mistakes.
The spinner did was not bothered by bagging lack of wickets in the IND vs NZ 2nd Test in Pune where Mitchell Santner stood out. He said that he was happy to support his teammate at the other end and that he enjoyed bowling to the Indian batters. New Zealand will take on India in IND vs NZ 3rd Test in Mumbai from Novrember 1 as they aim to seal the series 2-1.
