India’s left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel has revealed that he learnt the arm ball by himself. Patel had started his career as a fast bowler and he feels his quick arm action helps him in bowling an accurate arm ball.
The 27-year old from Gujarat is mostly right on the money with his line and length and he was able to reap the rewards.
Patel was introduced in the seventh over by Indian skipper Virat Kohli and he was able to strike on the first ball he bowled as he plumbed Jonny Bairstow in front of the wickets for a duck. The left-arm spinner made most of his arm ball as he got three LBWs and two more wickets via bowled in the six wickets he took.
Furthermore, Patel kept the pressure on as he conceded only 38 runs in the 21.4 overs he bowled. Meanwhile, Patel had also scalped seven wickets in the second Test match at Chennai, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. The rookie spinner believes he was able to gain confidence after taking a five-wicket haul in the second Test.
Patel revealed that he worked with Venkatapathy Raju to master the arm delivery and he is feeling confident in his bowling.
“I have learnt the arm ball myself. I worked with Venkat Sir (Venkatapathy Raju) at the NCA to master this delivery. I was a fast bowler in the early days of my career, which is why my bowling style is a bit quicker. So, I think my experience of being a fast-bowler also helps me bowl arm balls,” said Patel while talking to the reporters.
The Indian team was able to skittle England for a paltry score of 112 runs after Joe Root won the crucial toss and decided to bat first. A lot of credit goes to Axar Patel who didn’t allow any visitors batsmen to settle. Patel was deadly accurate with his line and length and did a fine job for the team.
The Gujarat-lad has got off to a perfect start in his Test career and he has filled in the big shoes of Ravindra Jadeja. Patel will aim to continue the good show in the coming matches. The hosts trail by only 13 runs as they had ended the opening day at 99-3.
