'Parthiv could surprise
a lot of people'

Parthiv Patel is the youngest Test wicketkeeper ever. A good under-19 World Cup and consistent performances for India 'A' on the tour of South Africa earlier this year led to his inclusion in the Test squad for the tour to England.

As fate would have it, a toe injury suffered by Ajay Ratra in the nets at Trent Bridge saw Parthiv, who has a missing little finger in his right hand, make his Test debut at 17 years and 152 days in the just-concluded second Test, which ended in a draw on Monday.

He failed with the bat and recorded a duck in the first innings, but that may have very well been down to nerves. He, however, made up for the failure by offering stubborn resistance in the second innings as England pressed for victory.

His performance behind the wickets had experts raving about his technique and composure.

"Patel could surprise a lot of people," said former India stumper Kiran More.

"He did very well on the under-19 tours of Sri Lanka and South Africa. His batsmanship was of very high quality. I think he is ready. A lot of people are saying he is too young. But didn't people say that for (Sachin) Tendulkar too?" he asked.

More feels Ratra is also a good 'keeper. If Patel and Ratra are nurtured, he says, then India can rest assured in the wicketkeeping department.

Parthiv's businessman father Ajay Patel is delighted with his son's performance in the second Test.

"Parthiv showed great resilience in his batting and guided India to a draw," he said a day after his son made an unbeaten 19 off 60 balls in 84 minutes as the second Test petered out to a draw.

Ajay Patel said he was not aware of his son's inclusion in the playing eleven and was pleasantly surprised to see his name on the team roster.

He said he did not expect his son to be overawed by the occasion as he had already represented the country in the under-17, under-19 and India 'A' teams.

In English cricket, a wicketkeeper below the age of 18 needs to wear a helmet or get written permission from his parents seeking exemption for the same.

Says Ajay Patel, "India nu pani piyu che, Gujarat nu pani piyu che, aima bau takat che, helmet nathi jyothi [He has had India's water, Gujarat's water. That will give him enough strength. He does not need a helmet.]"

Also read:
'I call myself a wicketkeeper-batsman'