With the Plunket Shield, New Zealand's domestic first-class competition to be underway during the period, Patel was exempted by Cricket Wellington from not attending three matches for his side. "Of course it's tricky. I'm a contracted player for Wellington, but also there's life beyond cricket. The opportunity came up and I spoke to Cricket Wellington and they were very positive about me doing that, firstly for my development beyond playing, and it gives other guys an opportunity to perform in my place which is part of handing over the mantle", Patel said.

England have Adil Rashid and newcomer Matt Parkinson in their squad as they look forward to the World T20 in Australia next October to add to their successful World Cup campaign at home this year.

Patel has also spent seven years at Warwickshire as an overseas signing, having played a total of 230 T20 matches till date. He played 11 T20s for New Zealand, whom he last represented in May 2017.The 39-year old expressed his pleasure on being chosen for the role by saying, "To work with England is huge and I'm so grateful that this has come about. Now it's up to me what I do with it."

Post the T20s, England play two Tests against New Zealand that do not form a part of the World Test Championship as the boards agreed to play as per the scheduled Future Tours Programme (FTP).