All rounder Patel’s ‘weight’ issues hindering England career

London: England all rounder Samit Patel’s England career is in jeopardy due to him being overweight.

But Patel has claimed that the only hunger he possesses these days is for cricketing success after being criticized by coach Andy Flower for being overweight. It will count for little unless he finally proves to Flower that he has bought into the fitness ethic that is now so embedded in England`s culture. Patel`s ability to play an important all-round one-day role for England and in Test cricket is beyond doubt, but his international career remains in the balance due to his fitness issues. He once again proved his worth in England`s resounding 130-run victory over Pakistan in the first 50-over game here on Monday, taking three wickets with his left-arm spin and chipping in with valuable late runs. Coach Flower had criticized Patel in November for not being fully committed to English cricket and told him that he won’t make it in the team until he gets fitter. “No, he has not cracked it, in answer to your question,” Flower told a daily in November. “His commitment to fitness has to be questioned. He hasn`t addressed his issues. His fielding let himself and his team down, and if he doesn`t improve, he will be out of the team, simple as that,” he added. But when Patel was selected for the current one-day series against Pakistan, Flower said that he was ‘inching’ towards his fitness targets, but still had ‘a long way to go’. When asked whether Flower’s criticism was bit inconsiderate on him, Patel replied: “Probably. I`m getting there slowly, as he`s put it, but I`m moving in the right direction.” Patel is ready to make amends now and is working hard to get his England career back on track after being dropped from England’s squad for the World Cup. “I`ve just got to keep improving and show the attitude I have at the moment. More running. More bike. Eating better,” he said. ANI