PRESTON'S 11-year-old leg spinner Yasin Patel is celebrating his Red Rose call up to coincide with Lancashire acquiring one of the world's great spin bowlers, Muttiah Muralitharan.

The Highfield Priory High School pupil first came to notice of the Fulwood school's Cricket coaches three years ago as his spectacular bowling action disguised a rare talent.

Now Lancashire Schools' selectors have recognised his unique skills.

Combined with this attractive strokeplay, the enthusiastic youngster's remarkable spinning ability has earned him a place in the 13-strong squad.

Patel, another product of Highfield's successful coaching regime whose team remains unbeaten this season, has an exciting series of representative fixtures ahead of him culminating in an under 11s County Festival in Somerset during August.

Highfield cricket is run entirely by parents and many of youngsters also play for local cricket sides. Patel also plays for Preston Cricket Club.

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