England could have missed out on their next potential spin king if Ravi Patel had not been so persistent as a youngster.

The former Harrow St Mary's colt was rewarded for his fine Middlesex form with a call up for England Lions' limited overs triangular tournament against New Zealand A and Sri Lanka A, which got under way today.

But his dad Hasu, who is chairman at Harrow St Mary's, revealed local cricket coaches were not so quick to spot the former Old Merchant Taylors' pupil's talents growing up.

He said: “Ravi has always been impressive, from playing at the age of five for Eastcote, and then with Harrow St Mary's – he always had the talent but was very small to start with.

“That meant locally, most coaches didn't take him seriously, as they were more interested in the bigger lads who could hit the ball harder or bowl it faster. So he had to bide his time and always had to work harder to be noticed.”

Just like his old man, who played in East Africa and India before forming Neasden CC on moving to England in the 1970s, Ravi started out as a seamer, but his talent as a spinner soon shone through.

Spin king: Patel in action for Middlesex at Uxbridge CCC

And with England struggling to find their next main spinner since Graeme Swann's retirement, Hasu would love to see his son playing for the full international side one day.

He added: “Because Ravi started as a seamer he got control of his line and length from an early age. He was never going to be a fast bowler but always had large fingers and could spin the ball.

“He has the talent to play for England and is making the right progress, but he still has a long way to go, and every spinner in the country will be fancying their chances since Swanny stepped down.”

The tournament got off to a soggy start today when the opening game between New Zealand A and Sri Lanka A lasted just 5.3 overs before being rained off.

Patel and co will be hoping for better weather in Taunton tomorrow when the Lions are due to take on Sri Lanka A in their first game of the tournament.

They will then face New Zealand A in Bristol on Friday, Sri Lanka A again in Worcester next Monday, and New Zealand A again in Worcester the following day.