Australia’s James Pattinson retires from international cricket

Pattinson
James Pattinson played 21 Tests, 15 ODIs and 4 T20Is for Australia.

Australia were dealt a blow on Wednesday when their 31-year-old fast bowler James Pattinson announced his international retirement ahead of the Ashes 2021-22 to be played later on in the year. Pattinson took the decision after it was ascertained that he will not be in a position to stake his claim for a position in the Australian squad for the Ashes series at home which begins on December 8.

Pattinson was earlier hopeful of making it to the Australian squad for the Ashes at the year end but lockdown rules in Australia and his own injury troubles led him to the decision of hanging his boots at the age of only 31. 

It has been reported that the right-arm fast bowler Pattinson will now continue to play domestic cricket in Australia as well as hinted at a return to the county cricket circuit in England.

Pattinson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo,

”Leading into pre-season I really wanted to give the Ashes a crack but in the end I haven’t had the preparation I would have liked heading into the coming season. If I was to be part of the Ashes I would need to do myself and my team-mates justice. I didn’t want to be in a position of battling with my body when you need to be 100 per cent fit and ready to go at any time. That would not be fair to myself or the team.

“It was then I felt that instead of trying to play at the very highest level, knowing I have only got three or four years of cricket left, I would focus more on Victoria, helping the young guys develop, perhaps some cricket in England and spending more time with my family.”

Pattinson added,

”Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket.” 

Pattinson played 21 Test matches for Australia from December 2011 to January 2020. In a career ravaged by injuries, he took 81 wickets at an average of 26.33 with four 5-wicket hauls and the best bowling performance in the match of 8/105. Pattinson also played 15 ODIs and 4 T20 internationals for Australia in which he took 16 and 3 wickets respectively.

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