According to Cricket Australia’s report, the Melbourne-born fast bowler James Pattinson, whose top choice is Ashes would join England’s County side Nottinghamshire for the upcoming County Championship 2017 in order to brace himself for the Ashes campaign.
The right-arm bowler Pattinson stated that making a Test return is supposed to require enough match practices in order to gain complete momentum and positives for the crucial return, particularly as a bowler.
“It’s a hard job. I’m getting to that age where I just need to play cricket,” Pattinson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
The Australian media which included News Ltd reported the fast bowler would be in action with the cherry and white-ball while replacing Peter Siddle in the line-up who is struggling with the back injury.
Pattinson, who made his return to the premium domestic cricket in February and further helped his side Victoria Bushrangers – to qualify for the final by claiming six wickets in the game and also scored handy 57 runs in Alice Springs.
The 26-year-old Pattinson, who had returned from the injuries, has a great opportunity to prepare himself for the Ashes season while spending his quality team in England by facing opponent’s players before gearing up and impressing the selectors of Cricket Australia (CA), for the five-match Test series.
“I’m hoping I can play all these Shield games (for the rest of the season) and can get a lot of cricket under my belt, Pattinson said.
Pattinson had a tough battle against shin and back injuries in the recent past before playing three Sheffield Shield matches while making a return to the field of cricket.
“I’m 26 so I just need to play cricket now and get that hardening into my body. Over the last three years I haven’t had that,” revealed Pattinson.
The Trent Bridge club has also witnessed his teammates playing for the club in the past which included his domestic and national compatriot as David Hussey, fast bowlers Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird.
However, it has been also stated Pattinson’s brother Darren had won the 2010 County Championship for the same club.
“I’m a big believer in the more you bowl, the more accustomed your body becomes to bowling”, Pattinson added.
Earlier, Pattinson was not considered for the ongoing four-match tour of India as they preferred injury-marred fast bowler Pat Cummins over Victorian.
Pattinson has played 17 Tests in which he has bagged 70 wickets at an average of 26.15 which further included his best figures of 5 for 27 in Test cricket.