Little-used Blackcaps spinner Ajaz Patel has been named ICC Player of the Month, after his miracle 10-wicket haul against India in December.
While New Zealand slipped to a record test loss in terms of runs at Mumbai, Patel created his own piece of history, running through the Indian first innings, with figures of 10/119, then added four more scalps in the second innings for good measure.
In the process, he became only the third bowler to achieve that feat, joining Englishman Jim Laker and Indian Anil Kumble - both also spinners.
Patel, 33, completed his haul in his birthtown, with plenty of relatives in attendance.
The performance was not enough to secure a spot in the current home series against Bangladesh, with NZ conditions more conducive to the Blackcaps' vaunted four-prong pace attack, but it was enough to earn acclaim from the world body.
"What a historic achievement!" declares former South African all-rounder JP Duminy, a member of the ICC selection panel. "Taking 10 wickets in an innings is a feat that needs to be celebrated.
"There’s no doubt that Ajaz's performance is a milestone that will be remembered for years to come."
