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“They bring a huge following, they’re
passionate about their cricket, and
they really lift the team.”
Trent Bridge will host the first of
the five-test series, and while India
have historically struggled on their
travels abroad, England are currently
rebuilding after ther catastrophic tour
of Australia.
“I don’t think India will be anything
resembling a pushover, I think it’ll be
a very competitive series,” said Patel.
“Away from home India struggle,
they found it very difficult against
New Zealand, but they’ll challenge
England.
“England themselves aren’t at their
strongest at the moment, but they’ll
face Sri Lanka first ahead of India.
“They’ll need to use those matches
to find a little consistency, all the way
from their training and practice to
how they approach each match on the
field.
“I think the batting will need to
improve, or maybe needs a slightly
different approach.
“It’s going to be a long summer, but
an interesting one.”
Patel’s name has been on the tips
of
the England selectors’ tongues for a
long time, but has found inclusion
in recent squads tantalisingly out of
reach.
Aware of the aspects of his game that
have let him down, Patel has worked
closely with Strength & Conditioning
coach PaulWatson to put himself
in the best position when the next
opportunity arises.
“Decisions have been made on fitness
reasons,” he said.
“From then on, it’s a case of
performing week in week out to
give myself the best chance of being
involved again.”
If he continues on his current path
there’s every chance he will. Patel’s
2013 season showed glimpses of the
quality England will be looking for.
He scored a career-best 1104 first-
class runs for Nottinghamshire,
including a colossal 256 against
Durham MCCU.
With Kevin Pietersen’s England
career over, there’s certainly an
opening for a batsman in form. Add
in Patel’s spin and he becomes an
ever-more popular option.
“My record in the subcontinent and
overseas is really quite good,” he said.
“Of course, there’s room for
improvement, if I want to be more
confident when these opportunities
come around I need to push a little
harder, and hold my own.
“I’m against Kevin Pietersen being
dropped.
“I have always thought that your best
players should be playing for you, and
he’s clearly one of our most talented
cricketers.
“The ECB had every right to make
their own decisions going forward,
and there will be reasons for it.