He may have been dropped by the England Lions, but Ravi Patel is still making a name for himself in the world of cricket.

The Middlesex spinner was called into the Lions squad for their triangular tournament against New Zealand A and Sri Lanka A this month, and had a fine debut in the win over Sri Lanka A last Wednesday, taking 3-71.

However, following a nightmare spell of 0-46 in the defeat to New Zealand two days later, Patel was dropped for the second win over Sri Lanka on Monday, and the second defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday.

However, according to Ajay Luthra, who is colts chairman and development officer at Harrow St Mary's CC, where Patel came through the ranks, it is only a mater of time before Patel finds international fame once more.

He said: “It is great to see Ravi making a name for himself. I have just got back from a holiday in India, and they are even talking about him over there.

“He was always a talented lad, and although it is a log way off yet, if he continues to progress, I cannot see why he wouldn't make the full national side eventually.”

Patel was back in the Middlesex side which went down to a 77-run Duckworth-Lewis Method defeat to Nottinghamshire in the One-Day Cup yesterday, and it wasn't a happy return either, being hit for 0-69.