PATEL CAN GO TO BAT FOR ASHES
SAMIT PATEL has been tipped as an Ashes batting solution after a stunning all-round performance on T20 Finals day.
Patel’s 64 not out in a final win served as a reminder of his ability when the pressure is on, but the selectors have looked elsewhere of late.
The six-time capped Patel has not played a Test since 2015, but Notts and former England coach Peter Moores reckons he’s kicked on since then.
“He’s moved on as a player,” said Moores, after securing Notts’ second white ball trophy of the season.
“He’s found a new level of tempo and maturity, and has become very consistent as a batter.
“At the moment, the batting slots are in the Test match team. It’s still a little bit in the balance with the Ashes looming.”
Windies batsman Marlon Samuels is ready to resume his duel with Ben Stokes in the T20 and one-day games coming up, with England expected to pick a strong squad for the matches.
Samuels said: “With me coming to England, Stokes should stay on the boundary when I’m batting, as far away as possible.
“He started something (in 2015) and I told him he better be prepared to finish it. But I saw him during the IPL this year and he didn’t say anything. I hope he can continue on that path.
“If not, I have things in place.”