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New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel had a forgettable outing at Lord’s in the clash against Ben Stokes-led England. Patel not only remained wicketless in the whole Test, he got an unwanted record to his name after bowling just overs.
The left-arm spinner now holds the record for taking most wickets in a Test before going wicketless in the next Test. Ajaz created history in the previous Test he played for New Zealand. He took 10 wickets in an innings at Wankhede Stadium in the losing cause. The Indian-origin bowler took a total of 14 wickets in the previous Test.
The record previously belonged to legendary England fast bowler Sydney Barnes who took 13 wickets against Australia in 1902 before going wicketless in the next outing. Australia’s Merv Hughes (West Indies, 1988) and England’s Tom Richardson (Australia, 1896) have also taken 13 wickets before a disappointing next outing.
Not a single over in first innings
In the first innings, the 33-year-old did not get to bowl because Kiwi fast bowlers were dominating England. The hosts were bundled out for 141 with Tim Southee being the pick of the bowlers. Southee took four wickets whereas his new-ball partner Trent Boult took three wickets. Kyle Jamieson also took two wickets whereas Colin de Grandhomme got the prized wicket of Joe Root.
Patel leaks boundaries
However, in the second innings when England were chasing 277, skipper Kane Williamson gave the old ball to the veteran spinner in hopes that he can provide the breakthrough.
The plan did not work twice. In the 33rd over, Ben Stokes swept him for a six and he went for nine runs. Later on Day 3, he was again asked by Williamson to break the partnership but it turned out to be too expensive. Stokes hit him for two more sixes as he played with the spin. While Patel was able to beat Stokes on his fifth delivery with some flight but it still went for a boundary after beating wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. He ended up conceding 22 runs in his two overs, especially when Kiwi needed him to tie one end or break the partnership between Stokes and Root.
On Day 4, Williamson did not give Patel a chance as Root finished off the run chase with his 26th Test century and reach the 10,000-run mark in the format.
Opportunity missed
Earlier, Patel missed a few Test series because of injury. Also, he was not considered when the conditions were too pacer-friendly. Many criticised the move, especially after his record 10-wicket haul against India. However, the move to included him did not work for New Zealand against England as Neil Wagner could have been a better option in these conditions.
