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.

"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.

"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."