In the opening day of the first Test match between India and England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, left-arm spinner showcased his skill and strategic prowess, attributing much of his growth as a bowler to the mentorship of senior spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
As Ashwin and Jadeja orchestrated three dismissals each, played a crucial role with two pivotal wickets, including the prized scalp of Jonny Bairstow. Following the day’s play, Axar Patel humbly acknowledged the invaluable guidance he has received from the seasoned duo, emphasizing his role in supporting the team’s bowling strategy.
Reflecting on his performance, expressed, “I have learned a lot from seniors Ash and Jaddu bhai. I was trying to control the game from my end as they were bowling in partnership. They were taking wickets, so, I was not thinking about taking wickets.”
Understanding the dynamics of being the third spinner, Axar Patel underscored the privilege of bowling alongside Ashwin and Jadeja, highlighting their collaborative approach and insights into the game. “They were also telling me what was happening on the wicket and what I should do. It is a privilege to bowl with them,” Axar added.
One of the standout moments of the day came when Axar Patel delivered a gem of a delivery to dismiss Jonny Bairstow, whose innings was gaining momentum. Axar’s delivery, turning away from Bairstow, found the top of off stump, breaking a crucial partnership and setting England back.
Axar Patel praised Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early aggression for unsettling the opposition bowlers effectively
Describing the delivery, Axar Patel shared, “That delivery really came off well. We were talking if it turns from there then it would be great because the odd ball was turning.”
Elaborating on the plan, Axar explained, “Bairstow took stance on the fourth wicket to avoid the lbw. So, I thought of bowling at the stumps because he did cut a few shots close to the stumps. That was the plan and the one that turned from there was good and you would have seen my celebration.”
Axar Patel also lauded the aggressive batting display of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose attacking approach unsettled the England bowlers from the outset. Jaiswal’s brisk 70* off 76 deliveries set the tone for India’s innings, earning praise from Axar Patel who acknowledged, “We enjoyed the way Yashasvi was batting and he took on the spinners from the very first over. It was very good to unsettle them early.”
Assessing the wicket’s characteristics, Axar Patel remarked, “There is spin but the wicket is slow and we know that we did well to restrict them to 246. We can adjust to it as the ball is getting slow after pitching.”
With the likes of Axar Patel, Ashwin, and Jadeja spearheading India’s spin attack, coupled with promising displays from the batting unit, India stands poised to capitalize on the opportunities presented in the remainder of the Test match against England.