Going to be tricky as England’s spin consultant, feels Jeetan Patel

Veteran New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel has been appointed as England's spin-bowling consultant ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting on November 1. The current Wellington player has been excused from his duties during the first three rounds of Plunket Shield for the coaching stint with England.

After former coach Trevor Bayliss decided to hang his boots with the conclusion of Ashes 2019, England signed a new head coach Chris Silverwood, and Patel will be joining his team for the five-match T20I series that starts in Christchurch. Meanwhile, Paul Collingwood has been appointed as the permanent assistant coach of the England side.

The New Zealand cricketer, who finished the latest county season with 64 wickets at an average of 26.75, has said that as huge as the role is, it’s tricky and he’s unsure on how well he’s going to fare at his new job.

"Of course it's tricky, I'm a contracted player for Wellington, but also there's life beyond cricket," Patel said, reported Cricbuzz. "The opportunity came up and I spoke to Cricket Wellington and they were very positive about me doing that, firstly for my development beyond playing and it gives other guys an opportunity to perform in my place which is part of handing over the mantle," he added.

Patel will be replacing Saqlain Mushtaq, England's spin bowling coach whose contract was not renewed, and will work with English legspinners Adil Rashid and uncapped Matt Parkinson. 

"I don't know how it's going to pan out, I don't even know if I'll be any good at it. But I really want to give it a good go. I think I've got some attributes that can help some guys," Patel said. "For me looking at what's next, you've got to tap into these opportunities when they arise because they don't arise all the time. To work with England is huge and I'm so grateful that this has come about, now it's up to me what I do with it."