Axar Patel joins a unique set of batters following his Nagpur heroics
Axar Patel in action [Source: AP]
Experienced Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has achieved a phenomenal milestone following his spectacular knock in the first innings against Australia in the Nagpur Test.
The southpaw, who came when India were tottering at 240 for 7, amassed a gritty 84, helping the hosts take a substantial lead in the first innings.
Axar, who stroked ten gorgeous boundaries during his 174-ball stay, thus registered the third highest individual score ever by any number nine batter against Australia in Tests.
Had he scored three more runs, he could've surpassed Karsan Ghavri's 86 to record the highest-ever individual score by an Indian number nine batter against Australia in the purest format.
Highest individual score by a no. 9 batter vs Australia in Tests
- Adam Parore (New Zealand): 110
- Karsan Ghavri (India): 86
- Axar Patel (India): 84
- David Holford (West Indies): 80
- Peter Pollock (South Africa): 75*
Axar, who started his career as a bowling all-rounder, has evolved his batting to a great extent of late.
His hard work in the nets paid off as the 29-year-old emerged as India's go-to finisher on the Caribbean tour last year. Since then, he has been impressive with the bat, particularly in white-ball cricket.
However, he has stamped his authority in Tests with this knock, evolving as a vital cog in the Indian team across formats.
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