Ahmedabad, November 05: New Zealand off spinner Jeetan Patel today described iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar’s scalp as the biggest of his fledgling career.
“I’m delighted to take Sachin’s wicket. It’s the biggest scalp of my career,” said the 30-year-old Wellington-born Patel after grabbing three for 135 in the Indian first innings total of 487.
After going wicket less and giving away 79 runs in 13 overs yesterday, the off spinner made amends by giving splendid support to his skipper Daniel Vettori in restricting the Indian innings that looked all set to cross 500 with a close-of-play total of 329 for 3 yesterday.
Patel, born of Indian parents, said the key to his success today was self-belief and an alternation to his run-up and mental make-up.
“I tried to bowl too hard yesterday. When I came out to bowl today I told myself I belonged to this level.
–Agencies