Patel proves his worth
Samit Patel was one of three batsmen to make valuable half-centuries as England Lions posted a hard-working 331 for nine on day one of the second 'Test' against New Zealand A in Lincoln.
Patel, last week "de-selected" from the limited-overs leg of England's tour of the Caribbean because of ongoing concerns about his fitness levels, proved there is nothing wrong with his batting.
The Nottinghamshire all-rounder's patient 64 from 101 balls helped Robert Key's Lions recover after most of the top order had failed to get going on the way to 154 for six at one stage.
After a high-scoring draw in the first 'Test' in Queenstown, the Lions were put in on a sunny morning but found the going tough on a slow pitch.
Key himself went early, and wickets fell regularly to Ewen Thompson (three for 85) and Brent Arnel (three for 46).
But Patel dug in against an attack also featuring New Zealand Test seamer Chris Martin.
He was eventually fifth out. But Luke Wright (69) and England limited-overs call-up Gareth Batty (64) then cashed in on Patel's initial defiance and were able to score at a slightly quicker tempo.
There was also a handy, unbeaten 40 at close to a run-a-ball from tailender Sajid Mahmood to ensure the Lions mustered a competitive first-innings total in this four-day match.
