Samit on standby

SAMIT PATEL is still hoping for a late Ashes call-up as England try to compensate for the almost-certain absence of Ben Stokes.

The Nottinghamshire all-rounder last played Test cricket two years ago but Patel, 32, has had a fine season and was last named as the PCA Players’ Player of the Year.

England have already bolstered their pace bowling options with a recall for Middlesex’s Steven Finn, 28.

But Patel is a candidate if England add another player, as is Essex batsman Tom Westley, 28.

Police are investigating Stokes, 26, over his involvement in an incident in Bristol last month which led to his arrest.

If the Durham ace is ruled out, England could then make it a 17-man squad.