Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell has praised Samit Patel following his two wickets on his Test debut for England.

Patel was selected alongside Notts teammates Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad and took 2-27 on day one in Galle as the hosts closed on 289-8.

“It's a fantastic achievement for Samit to win his first Test cap and it means a lot to Nottinghamshire to have another of our young players graduate into the full Test side,” said Newell.
 
“Samit came through all of our various junior age groups and so a lot of people are entitled to feel very proud today. It's terrific achievement for everyone who has been involved in his progress.
 
“Hopefully now that he has got this opportunity he will be able to show what he can do at the highest level and with his ability as an all-rounder he can press for a regular place in the side, not just overseas but in this country as well.
 
“I have exchanged texts with him today, offering my congratulations, and I know that many of his Nottinghamshire team-mates have also been in touch to add their own messages of support.”

Patel received his England cap from former Nottinghamshire wicket keeper Bruce French ahead of the day’s play.