'This one is for my hero' - Axar Patel dedicates his five-wicket haul to his father on the latter's birthday

Axar Patel was the cynosure of all eyes with the red cherry in hand on Day 3 of the 1st Test match between India and New Zealand. Patel ran through the Kiwi batting lineup and scalped a five-wicket haul in the first innings, to help India restrict their opposition to a total of 296.

Patel also gave away runs at a miserly economy rate of just 1.82 per over and continuously created problems for the opposition. And now, Patel has taken to Twitter to thank everyone for their good wishes. Today also happens to be Axar Patel’s father’s birthday and the left-arm spinner has dedicated his superb bowling performance to his ‘hero’.

“Number 5. Thanks everyone for the messages. This one’s for my hero. Happy Birthday Dad,” tweeted Axar Patel. You can see the tweet from Axar Patel below.

Number 5 🖐🏻

Thanks everyone for the messages. This one's for my hero.
Happy Birthday Dad ♥️ pic.twitter.com/xzlemXFXKH

— Akshar Patel (@akshar2026) November 27, 2021

India end Day 3 with a lead of 63 runs

New Zealand failed to capitalize on the wonderful start that both their openers had provided, and from 151/0, the Kiwis were bowled out for just 296. Tom Latham was patience personified and scored a steady 95 off 282 deliveries.

Latham held fort against the Indian spinners and thwarted India’s charge. However, Latham did not receive any support from his teammates. In fact, apart from Latham and his opening partner Will Young, who both scored half-centuries, none of the other New Zealand willow wielders could even cross the 25-run mark. Apart from Patel, who scalped a fifer, legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also picked up 3 wickets.

The Indian side ended their second innings with their scorecard reading 14/1 after 5 overs. Opener Shubman Gill was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson for just 1. Mayank Agarwal and veteran Cheteshwar Pujara are currently occupying the crease for the hosts. India are leading by 63 runs in the second essay.