New Delhi: New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel finally ended one of the most unusual waits in Test cricket history by claiming his first wicket on home soil during the third Test against West Indies at the Bay Oval. Entering the match with 85 Test wickets—all taken overseas—the left-arm spinner broke Jasprit Bumrah’s record for most wickets before a first home Test scalp bringing a seven-year wait to a memorable end. Why Home Conditions Delayed His Breakthrough New Zealand has long been considered one of the toughest places in the world for spin bowling. Patel’s career also coincided with an era dominated by seam bowlers limiting his opportunities at home. With Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips often preferred as spin-bowling all-rounders the Bay Oval Test marked just Patel’s fourth appearance at home since his debut over seven years ago. Match-Winning Performances Away from Home Despite limited chances in New Zealand Patel has been central to several of the Blackcaps’ most famous Test victories. His debut series in the UAE against Pakistan saw him play a decisive role including a match-winning 5/59 in the fourth innings that sealed a dramatic four-run win. He later impressed in England taking four wickets at Edgbaston in 2021 as New Zealand secured a rare series victory. Mumbai: The Stage for His Greatest Feats Patel’s proudest moments have come in Mumbai the city of his birth. In 2021 he became the first New Zealander to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings. Three years later he followed it up with an 11-wicket match haul that powered New Zealand to a stunning 25-run win and a historic 3–0 series whitewash over India. The Wicket That Ended the Wait The long-awaited home wicket finally arrived in Patel’s 17th over the 72nd of the innings when he dismissed Alick Athanaze with a delivery that deflected onto the stumps. Moments later Roston Chase followed lbw ending Patel’s drought in quick succession. At stumps on Day 3 West Indies reached 381/6 in reply to New Zealand’s 575/8 declared with Kavem Hodge unbeaten on 109. Story Highlights Ajaz Patel claimed his first Test wicket in New Zealand after seven years and 85 overseas scalps. New Zealand conditions and team balance limited Patel’s home opportunities. Patel has played key roles in historic wins in Pakistan England and India. West Indies reached 381/6 on Day 3 still trailing New Zealand’s first-innings total.