Ajaz Patel Optimistic Despite New Zealand's Collapse in 3rd Test

The ongoing third Test match between New Zealand and India has taken an intriguing turn as New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel expressed optimism despite his team's precarious position. At the end of day two, New Zealand found themselves just 143 runs ahead with only one wicket remaining. However, Patel believes that if they can add a few more runs and apply pressure on the Indian batters in the fourth innings, they might still have a chance to secure a victory.

Patel, who played a crucial role in bowling out India for 263 runs in their first innings, noted that the pitch is offering significant turn and variable bounce from both ends. This could create challenges for the Indian batsmen as they attempt to chase down the target. "It's going to have to be whatever we score. We're going to have to try and do our best to restrict India and try and bowl them out," Patel stated, highlighting the importance of their performance in the upcoming sessions.

As a spinner, Patel is encouraged by the conditions, mentioning that the ball is turning sharply and the bounce is inconsistent. This unpredictability can make batting difficult, and he emphasized the need for bowlers to ask tough questions of the batters. "You know that you're going to get something out of the surface and for batting it's quite challenging," he remarked.

Reflecting on his own experience, Patel recalled his historic achievement at the Wankhede Stadium three years ago, where he became only the third bowler in history to take all ten wickets in a Test innings. He noted that the current pitch conditions are reminiscent of that memorable match, with the ball turning from both ends. "Certainly, it is starting to turn from both ends now," he said, pointing out the effectiveness of Indian spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin.

Despite facing aggressive batting from Rishabh Pant, who scored quickly against him, Patel maintained that bowlers must focus on their line and length. "It's really about putting the ball in good areas for long periods of time and waiting for a mistake," he explained. He acknowledged that while Pant has been a formidable opponent throughout the series, it is essential for bowlers to remain patient and control what they can.

As the match progresses, the dynamics of Test cricket continue to unfold. Patel's insights into the challenges posed by the pitch and the need for strategic bowling highlight the complexities of the game. With the potential for a thrilling finish, both teams will be keenly aware of the stakes involved. As fans, we can only wait and see how this gripping contest will play out, reminding us that in cricket, as in life, anything can happen.