NEW Zealand import Jeetan Patel is hoping to use his stay at York Cricket Club as a springboard back into the international reckoning.

The 23-year-old spinner, who has joined the Clifton Parkers on a season-long deal, has already made his bow for the Black Caps 'A' team, but he is hoping to work his way into the selectors' minds.

Patel has arrived at York on the back of helping his home side Eastern Suburbs retain Wellington's Pearce Cup for the second season, managing best batting figures of 45 not out against Taita and bowling of 3-26 against Hutt District.

For the 2001/02 season, Patel enjoyed a fruitful sell with the ball in hand, managing 26 wickets, including a haul of 4-13, at an average of 15.58.

However, a spell on the mixed bag of English club wickets will help take the talented youngster's spinning skills to new levels.

"My big ambitions has always been to break into the international side, but with it being winter back home, I don't think I'll be missing out on too much," said Patel, who has enjoyed a couple of three-wicket hauls since his arrival. "The rest of the lads will just be practising in the nets.

"I've come here to enjoy my cricket and develop myself, not only as a cricketer, but as a person too.

"Back home, I live with my parents, but I'm now by myself so it is a bit of a change to get used to.

"It will be a challenge here. I like to get the ball to spin and bounce, but you can't always get the bounce on some wickets, so I was pleased to get it working on Saturday."

Despite his own ambitions on the international circuit, Patel believes he can do a job for York in the interim and with his host club enjoying a solid start to the season having climbed to third, he believes they can overhaul leaders Cleethorpes in the long run.

"I think we definitely can win the title," added Patel. "We have a good side.

"Everybody here has made me feel really welcome."

Updated: 08:43 Friday, June 20, 2003