Patel: It's not about money

Nottinghamshire star hoping to shine in Antigua

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 14th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Patel: It's not about money

Patel: Ambitious

At the start of the season I wouldn't have dreamt of playing international cricket.

Samit Patel
Quotes of the week

WATCH the Stanford Super Series live on Sky Sports 1 from October 25 - November 1

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England all rounder Samit Patel has told Sky Sports News that he is hoping to use the multi-million pound Stanford Super Series as a springboard towards future international appearances.

The promising Nottinghamshire star has had a 'dream' season with his county and, as a result, has been handed his chance to shine for England in Antigua and India after being named in the one-day squad for both trips.

England's highly-publicised Twenty20 match against the Stanford Superstars on November 1 will land each winning player a staggering £500,000.

And despite many players, including current international Alastair Cook, claiming the one-off spectacle is all about the riches on offer, Patel believes the encounter presents an ideal opportunity to prepare for the upcoming battles with India and Australia.

Speaking to Sky Sports News Patel said: "It's a stepping stone towards the next Ashes, it's a little ladder to get us going for the India trip which is going to be tough.

Opportunity

"It's not just about the money, it can't be - especially for young cricketers in the team."

A fine all-round campaign for Nottinghamshire resulted in Patel being handed his one-day debut by coach Peter Moores against South Africa in the triumphant summer series.

And Patel, 23, revealed how motivational words from the England boss inspired him to snatch his opportunity with both hands as he went on to take six wickets in the series.

"At the start of the season I wouldn't have dreamt of playing international cricket," he said.

"Peter Moores nailed it on the head and he said I may only get one chance to play so I have got to try and grab it.

"It might have been my last games, hopefully it's not, then it could be as many as I can play really and I can't wait."