Ravi Patel signs new Middlesex deal

Left-arm spinner Ravi Patel has signed a contract extension to remain at Middlesex until the end of the 2018 campaign.

The former England Lion expressed his delight at penning the deal after he found opportunities hard to come by last summer.

The 24-year-old played just one Championship match - taking 4-42 in the first innings against Sussex - while he struggled to impose himself in the Twenty20 arena, where he has been effective in recent seasons.

"It means a lot to me to have signed a new contract with Middlesex CCC," said Patel, who spent part of last summer on loan at Essex.

"It's such an exciting time to be part of this squad and I really think we are heading in the right direction. I can't wait to try and help the club win some silverware over the coming seasons."

Patel was regarded as one of the biggest spinners of the ball in his early years and, with 100 wickets across all formats for Middlesex since his 2010 debut, managing director of cricket Angus Fraser sees plenty of reason to keep faith in him.

"Ravi had a difficult season in 2015 but he remains one of the most exciting young spinners in the country," he said.

"He continues to develop, but the route to the top is rarely straightforward. High-quality spinners play a huge role in teams winning trophies and we are fully committed to giving Ravi the best possible chance in helping Middlesex CCC achieve those goals.

"I am delighted he has committed the next period of his career to the club."