10-fer hero Ajaz Patel wins POTM award for December
Patel became the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings during the first innings of the second Test against India in Mumbai, his city of birth.
BDCricTime StaffDesk Report
Posted - 2022-01-10T15:18:57+06:00
Updated - 2022-01-10T15:18:57+06:00
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel has won the ICC player of the month award for the month of December.
Patel became the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings during the first innings of the second Test against India in Mumbai, his city of birth. He took a further four in the second innings although it came in a losing cause.
Patel however missed out on selection in the two-match home series against Bangladesh as New Zealand opted for pace-heavy attack.
JP Duminy, the former South Africa batter who is a member of the ICC Voting Academy, said "What a historic achievement! Taking 10 wickets in an innings is a feat that needs to be celebrated. There’s no doubt that Ajaz performance is a milestone that will be remembered for years to come."
Before Patel, Devon Conway was the only male New Zealander to win the player of the month (in June).
Australia's Mitchell Starc and India's Mayank Agarwal were also nominated for December. Starc displayed all-round show during the three Ashes Tests held across Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. Agarwal struck a big hundred in the same innings Patel took 10 wickets.