Wednesday 9 December 2015 10:10, UK
Samit Patel is determined to take his second chance at becoming a regular member of England's Test team.
Patel was a surprise pick in England's squad to tour South Africa on Thursday after winning over head coach Trevor Bayliss when called upon for the third Test against Pakistan three weeks ago - his first Test appearance in three years.
The left-arm spinner, who turns 31 at the end of this month, made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March 2012 but despite playing four more matches that year, soon fell out of favour under then-coach Andy Flower, who questioned the player's fitness.
Patel admits his latest selection at the expense of leg-spinner Adil Rashid was "very much a surprise" but feels he has unfinished business at Test level following his experience three years ago and admits he has undergone a change in attitude.
"It felt rushed. It felt like I was in and out within a flash," said Patel, speaking at the Chance to Shine Street Awards.
"My attitude was poor and naive. The criticism I got was probably fair, not wholly, but the majority. I think I've moved on from there and changed, which hopefully everyone has seen.
"I thought I was untouchable. I couldn't do anything wrong. I started well against the South Africans. Everyone thought I'd carry on but it doesn't really work like that.
"I know Swanny (Graeme Swann) had similar problems. He came in and went out, it was a different period, but you learn as you get older what you can and can't do, and what you need to do."
Patel's first five Test appearances all came under Flower and the Nottinghamshire all-rounder has been impressed by the new regime.
"What's the difference? It was quite light-hearted," Patel said. "That's the best thing I've learned from coming back is that everything is pretty chilled.
"Trev is a chilled out person and I love Trev immensely. Brilliant. He's a great coach and he gives you the respect where he expects you to get on with it and he expects you to know what you're doing.
"I kind of like that because it gives you the initiative to do what you need to do. If you don't I think he'll come down on you but he takes a backward step to start, then slowly slowly he'll introduce some stuff. I think that's a brilliant way to do it."
