629 games, 710 innings, 2937 runs and 713 wickets… It’s been quite the career for Leicester born Samit Patel, a Nottinghamshire cricketing all-rounder of the highest quality.
After 22 years at Trent Bridge, the 38-year-old will depart the club, not retire though, as he looks like heading to either Derbyshire or his birth county Leicestershire as his chosen destination to continue the game count where he hopes to play more than in recent times in green and gold.
Chances have been few and far between for veteran Patel who wasn’t offered a new contract with the Outlaws, but the player still has so much to give, and wants to keep on going.
He said upon announcing he’s leaving “It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Nottinghamshire, a place that I have called home for nearly three decades.
“The club has played a huge role in developing the young nine-year-old I was when I joined the club to become the cricketer I am today.
“I look back on my career at Trent Bridge with tremendous affection; some of my fondest memories have come whilst donning the green and gold in front of the best fans in the world, engaging in battles on the field and winning trophies for the club.
“When I signed my first contract at 15, I dreamt of representing my country in all three formats. I have no doubt that the club’s unwavering support helped me to achieve these goals and, for that, I will be eternally grateful.
“Nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to see out my career with Notts, but whilst I haven’t been offered a new contract at Trent Bridge, I feel determined that I still have a lot to offer the game with both bat and ball. I’m looking forward to beginning my next chapter, contributing on and off the field wherever those opportunities may arise.
“Finally, thank you to all the members, supporters, staff and teammates who have walked through the gates at Trent Bridge. If it was not for you guys, I would not be the man I am today.”
Patel twice won the County Championship with Notts in 2005 and 2010, twice the T20 Blast in 2017 and 2020 and twice the One Day Cup in 2013 and 2017, he also has 60 caps in all formats for England playing 6 times for the test team as well as 36 matches for the ODI and 18 games for the T20I team.
Patel’s highest first class score is 257 not out in a draw against Gloucestershire in 2017 and his best bowling figures read 7/68 in a match at Hampshire in 2011, averaging over 35 with the bat his first class bowling ave at 38.23, he’s a renowned force in the domestic game and despite leaving Nottinghamshire, that doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).
*Main image @TrentBridge Samit Patel after 22 years will leave Notts to look for pastures new.
