The India-England Test series from 5 February to 8 March 2021 was a historic one for several reasons, and Axar Patel’s remarkable performance with the ball was one of its highlights. Axar, who had been brought into the Indian team after Ravindra Jadeja was injured, was a revelation during the series. Here’s a detailed look at Axar Patel’s record-breaking performance and how he joined Dilip Doshi in the history books:
Matches Played: Axar Patel played in 4 matches of the series, which was contested as part of the 2020-2021 ICC World Test Championship.
Wickets Taken: Axar took 27 wickets in the four-match series, which was a remarkable achievement. His performance was especially vital in India’s dominant 3-1 victory over England.
Bowling Average: He finished the series with an extraordinary bowling average, taking wickets at just 14.22 runs per wicket. This highlights his impressive consistency and ability to extract significant turn and bounce, especially on the turning pitches of India.
Best Match Figures: Axar’s best bowling figures came in the second Test at Chennai, where he took 5 wickets in each innings, helping India to a thumping victory by 317 runs. His performance was crucial in India taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pitch Conditions: The series was played on turning wickets, particularly in Chennai and Ahmedabad, where Axar’s left-arm orthodox spin came into play. His ability to bowl tight, accurate lines and consistently trouble the English batsmen on these wickets was key to his success.
Economy Rate: Axar also maintained an excellent economy rate throughout the series, which reflected his control over the ball and ability to keep pressure on the opposition. His accuracy in landing the ball in the right areas on turning tracks made him a dangerous bowler.
Axar Patel’s Record: Axar Patel’s tally of 27 wickets in just four matches made him only the second bowler in history to take so many wickets in a series of fewer than five matches.
Comparison to Dilip Doshi: Before Axar, the record for most wickets in a Test series by an Indian bowler in a four-match series was held by Dilip Doshi, who took 27 wickets against Australia in a six-match series in 1979. Axar and Doshi now jointly hold this remarkable record. Doshi’s 27 wickets came at an average of 22.37, and his performance played a major role in India’s strong showing during the series.
Series Context: Dilip Doshi’s achievement came during the 1979 Test series in India, where India hosted Australia. Though the series had six matches, Doshi’s haul of 27 wickets stood out as a remarkable individual achievement, with him playing a major role in India’s success. He was the lead spinner for India during this period and was known for his flight and guile.
Impact of Doshi’s Record: Doshi’s 27 wickets in a six-match series was a significant achievement in Indian cricket history, and it stood as a benchmark for spinners for many years. His ability to take wickets and bowl long spells was crucial in India’s ability to defend low totals and set up victories.
Breakthrough Performance: Axar Patel’s rise during the 2021 series was a breakthrough moment in his career. Though he had been in the Indian team for a while, it was in this series that he truly made his mark as one of India’s premier spinners. His ability to outfox top-order batsmen with his flight and variation earned him praise from cricketing legends and fans alike.
Combination with Ravichandran Ashwin: Axar’s partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin (who also had a stellar series with 32 wickets) formed a potent spin duo. Their ability to bowl in tandem, create pressure, and take regular wickets was a major factor in India’s series win.
Influence on Indian Spin Bowling: Axar’s performance not only brought him personal accolades but also continued India’s legacy of producing world-class spinners. His success highlighted the depth and strength of Indian spin bowling in the subcontinent, especially in Test cricket.
Axar Patel’s stunning 27 wickets in the India-England Test series of 2021 remains one of the best performances by an Indian spinner in recent years. His ability to join Dilip Doshi in the record books for the most wickets in a four-match series is a significant achievement in Indian cricket history. Axar’s rise as a key spinner for India, especially in home conditions, continues to strengthen India’s position as a dominant force in Test cricket.
