An extremely limited top-order batsman, Brijal Patel can consider himself fortunate to have been given such a long run in the Kenyan side when he has yet to deliver. In more than 40 innings for Kenya he has passed fifty only once, and his first-class average of under 10 speaks volumes. But at least Patel's fielding rarely lets him down. For this he can look to his father, JC Patel, who bestowed upon him a good pedigree as a former international wicketkeeper. The junior Patel has some international experience, having toured India and South Africa for provincial teams. He spent his summer in 2005 with Cranleigh in Surrey, England, and was a shock recall to the side when Kenya toured Zimbabwe in February 2006. He was not in the reckoning, but Roger Harper, the coach, needed a slow left-armer for net work and Patel answered the call to such good effect that he was reinstated.
Cricinfo staff February 2006