I just knew that I would do well, says Axar Patel

Roshan Thyagarajan,

Axar Patel attributed his pace-bowling upbringing to an evolved version of the slider in the wake of his six-wicket haul against England on the opening day of the third Test at the Narendra Modi stadium in Motera on Wednesday.

Axar returned figures of 6 for 38 in bowling England out for 112, and five out of those wickets came from arm-balls with some heat behind them.

'I think me starting off as a pace bowler helped me work on my arm-ball,' explained Axar. 'I had to figure a way to utilise my skillset after making the switch because of a knee niggle. Also, the pitch wasn't turning nearly as much so I had to under-cut the ball a lot more.'