All-rounder Patel has come through the Notts academy (Getty)

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell says all-rounder Samit Patel has earned his place in the England one-day squad.

Newell said: "It's particularly pleasing that a local player has come through the Notts academy and made it into the national squad.

"He's a very committed player. This is the opportunity he's been waiting for."

County team-mates Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom join Patel in the squad to face South Africa.

It will give some of our players a chance to shine Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire director of cricket

Newell said: "Darren will benefit from playing in the Lions game and it's a clear indicator that he's not been forgotten.

"It gives him another chance to play against South Africa without the pressure of a Test Match environment and hopefully he'll do well.

"We'll have to look at player availability when our England players go away and it's certainly going to stretch the squad but it will also give some of our players a chance to shine in important fixtures."