Australian seamer James Pattinson has decided to retire from international cricket. He began his international career in 2011 via T20I and then last played for his nation during the Australia-New Zealand Test at Sydney in January 2020. He predominantly featured in the Test matches cricket and after he didn’t get selected in the Ashes, he decided to call it quits.
Known for his speed and pinpoint bowling, Pattinson stormed into the international scene after taking a five-for against New Zealand. Lower spine issues and surgery kept him away from the action while seamers like Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins solidified their roles in that period.
Nonetheless, James finished with a stellar Test record, averaging 26.33 for 81 wickets in 38 test innings, including an impressive four five wickets haul. With the bat, James also averaged a more than handy 26.06 and made for a handy late-order option.
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 teammates justice. I didn't want to be in a position of battling with my body when you need to be 100 percent 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.
James Pattinson, Fast bowler, Victoria