Patel surprised to be going on SA Test tour

Allrounder Samit Patel says he had a 'bit of a chuckle' when found out that he had been selected in England's Test squad for the upcoming four-match series in South Africa.
The 30 year-old Nottinghamshire spinner was in the Three Lions' most recent Test squad, against Pakistan in the UAE, and played in the final Test of the three-match series, which England lost two-nil.
Patel was thought to be the third spinner in the Asian conditions, behind Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, and many thought he stood no chance of being in the touring party for the more seamer friendly conditions in South Africa.
The left-arm spinner however impressed enough in the that final Test against Pakistan to be included ahead of Rashid, but thinks he will be back-up to Moeen against the Proteas.
Patel told Cricinfo: "I had a bit of a chuckle to myself to be honest. I'm just happy I've been given the chance to go to South Africa. I get pigeon-holed as a subcontinent cricketer which I don't really like.
"So hopefully I can put that right and stop people saying that because I have played all my cricket in England. So I don't really agree when people say that. I can't be because I play in this country as well.
"But it was very much a surprise to be honest. I thought they were going to go with Mo and Rash again – just continuity wise I thought that's the way they'd go – but surprisingly I got the call. I was very surprised.
"I think Moeen is fantastic – a good bowler, great batsman – so I think I'm second choice definitely. I personally think just Moeen and four seamers will be the make-up of the team.
"I'm not talking myself out of it, I just think that's the way we'll go."
England first Test against South Africa starts on Boxing Day in Durban.
Latest
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
News
Paul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.
-
News
Matt Parkinson out of England squad with Harry Brook and Matthew Potts included
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back.