I deserve another chance to shine, says Patel
SAMIT Patel is determined to keep pushing for an England recall with the Nottinghamshire all-rounder disappointed he has not played more for his country.
Patel has made 56 international appearances with the last coming against Pakistan in November 2015, though he looks to have fallen down the rankings as a spinner with Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson all seemingly ahead of him.
Patel has hardly had a flying start to 2017 with the ball as he’s yet to take more than one wicket in any innings, though he has made two half-centuries with the bat. But the 32-year-old is still looking to force his way back into the England fold.
He said: “I’d like, as an outside chance, another game for England. I should have absolutely played more for England, not just on talent, but stats.
“I do have some selection issues that I’d rather not comment on, but I’ve been pretty hard done by. I’ve not missed a game ever over fitness. I’ve never missed one game for England or Notts. It all comes down to sports science. They forgot about the skills base.
“It’s funny how no one mentions fitness issues with me now. It’s funny how that’s all gone even though the game is getting quicker and better.
“I look better, I feel better, I’m playing better.You have to be quicker, you have to be faster. It’s something you have to do.”
Patel has played six Tests for England, all in Asia, where he picked up seven wickets. And the all-rounder has expressed his disappointment at not featuring in this country.
He added:“I wish I’d played more for England in England. I’ve played all my cricket here, but people keep saying I’m a sub-continental player.
“I can’t work that out. I’d like to have had more chances higher up the order. First time I batted at four in T20 I got 60 odd against Sri Lanka in a World Cup.White-ball wise I’ve held my own.”