Samit Patel has been included in the England team to face South Africa at Headingley in the first game of the NatWest series.

The Notts all-rounder made a solid impression with a stylish 60 as England Lions beat South Africa in last week’s warm-up fixture and replaces Graeme Swann in the line-up.

“There’s always pride when a player that we’ve worked with gets recognition for England and I’m pleased that Samit has been given this opportunity,” said Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“It’s unfortunate for Graeme that he’s the one to miss out but it’s difficult to get two spinners into the England side and I’m sure that both players will have a part to play in different conditions.

“Samit is excited by the prospect of playing for England and he has the confidence to perform at this level.

“He’ll be batting lower in the order than he’s used to county cricket but that aside, he just needs to concentrate on his normal game and take his Notts form into the game.”

Ryan Sidebottom faces a spell on the sidelines with a groin strain but Stuart Broad is joined in the England bowling attack by Steve Harmison who has come out of retirement to re-join the one day squad.

England: Matt Prior, Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Ravi Bopara, Luke Wright, Samit Patel, Stuart Broad, Steve Harmison, James Anderson

South Africa: Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mark Boucher, Vernon Philander, Johan Botha, Andre Nel, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini