Kiwi spinner Ajaz Patel 10-wicket ball will have pride of place in MCA museum

Cricket | Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Vijay Patil has heaped praise on New Zealand spinner Ejaz Patel for donating the 10-wicket haul ball to the MCA museum, saying the ball will be the 'Pride of Palace'. Patil said, “What Ejaz Patel achieved at the Wankhede Stadium was absolutely phenomenal. The fact that he did this feat at our prestigious (Wankhede) stadium. This adds to the memories of this historic ground." The 34-year-old left-arm spinner, born in Mumbai, took all 10 wickets in the first innings of the second Test against India earlier this month. He became only the third bowler in the world after Jim Laker (1956) and Anil Kumble (1999) to do so.

Patil said, "He has roots from Mumbai, so in such a situation this achievement becomes more special." Patil said, "He has proved that he has a big heart. After achieving this feat, he showed generosity by giving us the memorable ball of taking 10 wickets. This is something that we attach great importance to and it will be the pride of our MCA museum.” Patil said that this museum will inspire the youth.

"I think it (setting up the museum) is a right step as we (Mumbai cricket) have a huge legacy. About 80 of our players have played international cricket and one fifth of the runs scored by Indian batsmen came from the bats of Mumbai players. The move to preserve our rich heritage will inspire current and future cricketers as well.” India won the ODI World Cup in 2011 with a six from Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the Wankhede Stadium itself. Patil said, "Those were very special moments, the 2011 World Cup was definitely the happiest and special moment in Indian cricket history. This feat also happened at the Wankhede Stadium. Its memories are in our hearts.