November 3, 2024: After leading New Zealand to a historic whitewash over India, spinner Ajaz Patel reflected on the pivotal role the Wankhede Stadium pitch played in their victory. He noted that the pitch began to turn significantly more after the morning session on day two, allowing him to utilize his “guile” and vary his pace effectively.
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Ajaz achieved a remarkable ten-wicket haul in the third Test, securing a 25-run victory that marked the first-ever clean sweep by a visiting team in India during a Test series of three or more matches. In his post-match comments, he expressed a playful desire to take a piece of the Wankhede pitch back home, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in spin bowling.
He mentioned feeling confident in the morning session but noted that conditions improved after lunch, allowing him to adapt his strategy. On his battle with Rishabh Pant, Ajaz acknowledged Pant’s exceptional performance throughout the series, stating that he had to think creatively to counter Pant’s aggressive batting style.
Overall, Ajaz’s insights highlight the strategic nuances of Test cricket and his respect for Pant as a formidable opponent.
