Jeetan Patel joins Warwickshire

New Zealand offspinner Jeetan Patel has signed with Warwickshire for his maiden county stint in the 2009 English domestic season. Patel will fill in for legspinner Ian Salisbury, who took up a coaching position at Surrey, his former county.

Patel, who is currently playing the Napier Test against India, was originally due to play for Leicestershire's second XI and train with the first team whose overseas signings include New Zealand fast bowler Iain O'Brien.

New Zealand coach Andy Moles, who also played for Warwickshire between 1986 and 1998, supported Patel's move. "I'm sure the Warwickshire members will take to Jeetan because he's a lovely guy," Moles told the Sunday Mercury. "They will see that he is an honest cricketer who gives his best every day. He's committed in everything he does, bowling, fielding and batting, and he's a great team man.

"[He's] someone who will make an important contribution in the dressing room as well as on the pitch and who will try to make the most of his ability."