Patel on verge of realising dream

Samit Patel could make his England debut against South Africa in the NatWest Series

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Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel is thrilled at the prospect of making his England debut in the limited-overs matches against South Africa.

The 23-year-old has been included in the 15-man squad for the NatWest Series and NatWest International Twenty20.

The right-hand batsman and left-arm slow bowler has been in fine form this season for his county, who are top of the LV County Championship and NatWest Pro40 Division One tables.

Patel said: “I’ve made good progress at Notts and it’s been a lifelong ambition to take that forward for England.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet but it’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’ve been through the England ranks with the Under-15s, U17s and U19s and the end goal has always been to play for the senior side.”

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell backed Patel to make his mark on the international scene.

“Samit has done very well in all forms of the game and his performances for Notts have warranted this call-up,” said Newell.

“It’s particularly pleasing that a local player has come through the Notts Academy and made it into the national squad. A lot of people have coached him and helped him but he’s done a lot for himself as well.

“He’s a very committed player and this is the opportunity that he’s been waiting for.”

Patel could make his England debut alongside county team-mates Graeme Swann, Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad, who are also in the one-day squad.

Notts seamer Darren Pattinson, who made his Test debut at Headingley Carnegie, is in the England Lions squad to face South Africa on August 16.

“Darren will benefit from playing in the Lions game and it’s a clear indicator that he’s not been forgotten,” added Newell.

“It gives him another chance to play against South Africa without the pressure of a Test match environment and hopefully he’ll do well.

“We’ll have to look at player availability when our England players go away and it’s certainly going to stretch the squad but it will also give some of our players a chance to shine in important fixtures.”

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell is backing his England players against the Proteas

Newell also claims new England Test and one-day captain Kevin Pietersen will handle the pressure that the role brings.

Pietersen takes over the Test mantle from Michael Vaughan and the one-day role from Paul Collingwood after both resigned yesterday.

“I was disappointed that Michael Vaughan made the decision to step down because a lot of people still believe that he’s the best person to captain England in Test match cricket, but it’s a personal decision and one that he felt he had to make,” said Newell.

He added: “Tactically he (Pietersen) will be fine. He can handle himself well with the press and I don’t think it will affect his game because he’s mature enough to cope with the pressure.”

Patel played under Pietersen for Notts in a second XI trophy game against Lancashire in 2002. Pietersen, who joined Hampshire in 2004, scored 113 and put on 176 for the fourth wicket alongside Will Smith.

“KP hit a century and took a wicket and I got 23 not out,” added Patel.

“I can’t remember too much about his style of captaincy but he’s got character and he brings character out of those around him as well.

“He has the respect of his team-mates and the opposition players and I think that he’ll take to the role very quickly.”