England all-rounder Samit Patel warned Tuesday that his side were gunning for revenge in the one-day series against Pakistan after the 3-0 Test whitewash. England rebounded from their humiliating Test showing with a comprehensive 130-run victory in the first day-night international here on Monday. “We’re looking to absolutely nail this series, to beat them 4-0, whitewash them — obviously a bit of payback for the Test series. It would be a great achievement. That would be fantastic. We’ve got to aim high,” said Patel.
England rode on a brilliant skipper’s knock of 137 by Alastair Cook — his best in one-day internationals — and Ravi Bopara’s 50 to cruise to 260-7 in their 50 overs. Patel gave the finishing touches with a brisk 17 not out.
Paceman Steven Finn then rocked Pakistan with a burst of 4-34, his career best, before Patel took 3-26 with his left-arm spin to bowl their rivals out for a mere 130.
“I wouldn’t say it’s relief,” the 27-year-old Patel said of the victory. “It’s just great to get back to winning ways really.
“It’s been a tough period that we’ve had, but you’ve got to take the ups and downs really and move forward – and we’re doing that right now.”
The Nottinghamshire spinner was part of the team when England were routed 5-0 in their one-day series in India last year, but stressed that there’d be no looking backwards.
“I’m loving my role at the moment,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t go too well in India – but we’ve got to look forward now, and this series is key to put a bit of a marker down playing in the sub-continent and well against spin.”
With his performance Patel would like to cement a one-day place after the England management made it clear that it was his attitude to fitness that was keeping him out of the side last year.
Patel stressed England should play 50-over format rather than the prevailing 40-over in their domestic cricket.
“I think the (right) preparation would be to go 50-over cricket in England, if we’re going to prepare for the next World Cup. I think 50-over cricket is crucial, and I don’t see any point in playing the 40-over format if we’re going to be playing 50 in the World Cup.
“At the moment we’re sticking to a 40-over format, which attracts a lot of crowds. People say the 50-over format is dead. But I think if we’re looking for the bigger picture, towards the next World Cup, 50-over cricket should come back.”
