England hopes of adding Jeetan Patel to coaching staff for Pakistan Tests thwarted by visa rules

England's hopes of adding Jeetan Patel to their coaching staff for the Test series against Pakistan have been thwarted by visa regulations.

Patel, the former New Zealand off-spinner, had been due to join the Test squad as spin bowling consultant for the second and third matches of the series against Pakistan.

Those plans have now been abandoned, however, after it transpired Patel's visa only permits him to work as a player in the UK. He will, therefore, return to Warwickshire - to whom he is contracted until the end of the season - and is expected to appear for them in the Vitality Blast T20 competition. He is expected to retire as a player at the end of the season.

The England management have said they "will consider all options before appointing a spin bowling consultant for the remainder of this season".

In an ideal world, Richard Dawson would be a strong candidate. As head coach of Gloucestershire, however, Dawson is currently busy with his county side.

In the longer term, Patel could still fulfil a coaching role in the England set-up. It is thought that the ECB will, when finances and other practical issues allow, appoint both a spin bowling coach for the England sides and another to work with players around the counties. Patel, who had enjoyed previous spells in the consultancy role, remains a strong candidate for either position. Dawson would also be a favoured candidate if he was prepared to leave Gloucestershire.