Test shirt auctioned for Starship
Black Caps spinner Ajaz Patel is auctioning a shirt he wore in the game where he became just the third player in cricket history to take all 10 wickets in a test innings.
Proceeds from the auction on TradeMe will go to the Starship Foundation, to raise funds for a play specialist for the Starship Radiology Department at New Zealand’s national children’s hospital.
In the first innings of the second test versus India in Mumbai last December, Patel took all 10 opposition wickets, a feat previously achieved only by England’s Jim Laker and India’s Anil Kumble.
The shirt has been signed by all members of the NZ test squad from the tour, and has been framed with the match scorecard.
‘‘My wife and I spent a couple of days in Starship hospital with our daughter last year,’’ Patel said.
‘‘It was a worrying time, but I realised how lucky we were to only need a short stay. Starship was amazing to us, and we wanted to give back ... this is one way we can do that.’’
Starship Foundation CEO Aisha Daji Punga said she was humbled by Patel’s generosity.
‘‘We’re incredibly grateful he’s offered to support us in this way. As well as being a role model on the field, it’s further proof of his kindness and character off it.’’
The auction closes next Wednesday evening and bidding had reached $5100 by midafternoon yesterday.