New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel created history on Saturday (December 4) as he became only the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings. He joined England's Jim Laker and India's Anil Kumble in the elite list of bowlers who have achieved this milestone.

Former New Zealand legendary cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee praised Ajaz for his feat in the second Test match against India in Mumbai. Ajaz surpassed Hadlee's record of best figures by a New Zealand bowler. 

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"Congratulations to Ajaz on a superb bowling performance. It was a delight to watch. A well-deserved reward, and a great moment for him, New Zealand cricket, and world cricket," Hadlee said in a statement.

"To be in the great company of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble is very special indeed," the statement added.

Hadlee had taken nine for 52 versus Australia back in 1985, and followed it up with 6/71 in the second innings as New Zealand won that match by an innings and 41 runs in Brisbane. 

Earlier, India's great Anil Kumble had congratulated the 33-year-old with a tweet and welcomed him to the exclusive club. “Welcome to the club #AjazPatel #Perfect10 Well bowled! A special effort to achieve it on Day1 & 2 of a test match. #INDvsNZ,” Kumble tweeted.

Ajaz Patel finished with 14 wickets in the match as he took 4/106 in the second innings after grabbing 10/119 in the first innings.

(With PTI Inputs)