Perfect start for us – Axar Patel on India’s commanding win in Birmingham

Axar Patel put in a clinical peformance in Birmingham as India surged ahead against England, securing a six-wicket victory against England in the series opener.

The all-rounder impressed with the ball, claiming the scalps of Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Josh Tongue.

Patel then came into bat just when it felt like that India had an unexpected wobble in the middle. However, he controlled the innings and eventually dished a fine half-century to steer India across the finish line while also knitting together an impressive partnership with Washington Sundar.

Patel secured the Player of the Match award for his scintillating all-round performance.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Axar said, “Obviously the way T20 series went, I think this is the perfect start for us. And very happy the way I performed today.”

Shedding light on the surface, Axar added, “I think I bowled under a particular area. I thought I have to bowl, you know, vary my pace and bowl stump to stump. And I did exactly what I wanted to do. And I'm lucky that I got the four wickets.”

Reflecting on India’s approach during the chase, Axar said, “And after that, in the batting, I think we got a very good start, and then we have to just know that we are ahead of the game. So we have to just rotate the strike and we have to finish the game well.”

He concluded with his thoughts about his century stand with Washington Sundar that got India across the finish line, stating, “When I went there, I think Washington was there. We were thinking about that we are down a couple of wickets just now, we have to build a partnership right now. And after four, five overs, we'll think about what we have to do because the way we got the start, I think we are ahead of the game. So we have to just build the partnership and just finish the game.”