Notts all-rounder Samit Patel hopes to play his way into contention for a place on England’s tour of India with a strong performance in today’s England Lions game against South Africa.

Samit was a surprise inclusion in the England One Day Squad for the NatWest series and will face the tourists for the first time at Grace Road.

"Since I got the call I have been thinking about how I would bowl at particular South African batsmen. I have been visualising their shots and the way they play, visualising what they would try to do,” he said.

"I cannot stress enough how much I want to get out there and play for England. Originally I thought Geoff was only calling me for the England Lions games but obviously he added the full squad as well which was very good.”

"I've been overwhelmed that I've been picked. I've just got to keep doing what I've been doing for Notts and hopefully it will work for me. I can't wait to go and play for England.

"To make an impression is one thing but you have got to enjoy it. You can get caught up in personal pressures and distractions but you have just got to go out there and perform. That's what got you there."

The Notts Academy graduate has been in fine form in domestic cricket this season and would jump at the chance to tour India with England.

"My family is from Gujarat, so it would be a big deal for me if I were picked to go on tour,” he said.

“I have got aunts and grandparents over there. They would support me. And of course Ahmedabad would be a big match for me."

Speaking at the England press conference ahead of his Lions debut, Patel named New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori as one of his role models.

"I look up to Danny Vettori. He has a great Test record and one-day record and you'd be daft not to look at the way he bowls,” he said.

"He was really good with me at Notts and I picked his brains. He wasn't there for that long which is a shame, but he is one of the top left-arm spinners."