By Ayaz Memon: Ejaz Patel's performance 'Rarest of the Rare.'

Ejaz Patel's ten wicket haul is one of the most notable cases in cricket. Only 2 bowlers had achieved this feat before Ejaz. Jim Laker of England against Australia at Old Trafford in 1953 and Anil Kumble of India against Pakistan in Delhi.

Ejaz's achievement is 'rarest of the rare' because, unlike Kumble and Laker, Ejaz has achieved this feat not on domestic but on foreign soil. He did so in the first 2 days of the Test and in the city where he was born. In cricket, the players perform best at home, with some players having done well abroad. 

The Indian pitch and the weather seem to be more helpful to the spinners compared to New Zealand. Ejaz had less time to adapt to the climate here. His performance in the first Test was mediocre. There was also speculation that A centurion in the second Test could replace ajaz. The centurion could be aware of Indian conditions and bat due to the IPL.

However, Ejaz was given another chance which proved to be a masterstroke. However, India managed to score 325 runs. That is because Ejaz did not get proper support from other bowlers. Ejaz looked like a one-person army with bowling, control, accuracy, skill. It showed stamina, resolution, and commitment in 47.5 overs. Spinners are usually dominant in the second half of the Test. Ejaz's achievement is remarkable because he achieved this feat in the first two days; this time, the pitch is not broken and is helpful for the batsmen.

Mumbai-born Ejaz settled in New Zealand at the age of eight. After taking 10 wickets, Ejaz kissed Wankhede's pitch. However, new Zealand's poor batting turned the tide on Ejaz's achievement. Now the chances of the team escaping defeat are slim. Whatever the match's outcome, Ejaz Patel's performance will always be remembered.

Source from divyabhashkar