Visa issues cause Jeetan Patel to pull out of England spin bowling consultant role

Patel was announced as a temporary addition to the backroom staff earlier this week, but he will instead be joining Birmingham Bears for the T20 Blast

Jeetan Patel will no longer be joining the England coaching team for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Patel was announced as a temporary addition to the backroom staff earlier this week, but visa issues have prevented him from taking up the role of spin bowling consultant.

The veteran New Zealander's UK visa only permits him to work as a player on these shores.

Subsequently, he will instead be joining Birmingham Bears for the T20 Blast.

The ECB say England men’s team will "consider all options before appointing a spin bowling consultant for the remainder of this season".

Patel had previously worked with the national side during the winter tour of South Africa.