Zee News

London, Aug 16: Indian-born Samit Patel is still recovering from the shock of being named in England`s squad for the One-day series against South Africa which starts next week.

Patel has certainly earned the call-up as he has excelled with both bat and ball in the 50-over Friends Provident Trophy earlier this season:

He averaged 42 with the bat and picked up 14 wickets at 13.5 runs apiece with his orthodox left-arm spin.

But he has absolutely no clue what has earned him national duty honours.

"When I first got the call I was shocked," admitted Patel. "I thought Geoff Miller (Chief England selector] was only calling me about the England Lions games."

"I cannot stress enough how much I want to get out there and play for England," he said.

Patel, who was born in Leicester, but moved with the family to Nottingham when he was two, said: "My family is from Gujarat, so it would be a big deal for me if I were picked to go on England`s tour of India this winter. I have got aunts and grandparents over there. They would support me. And of course Ahmedabad would be a big match for me."