Australian pacer James Pattinson has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket. The Victorian fast bowler has retired owing to persistent injuries. Although he is just 31 years old but the right arm fast bowler has made up his mind.
Pattison was aiming to receive a place in the Australian squad for the upcoming Ashes series at home. However, the 31-year-old faced an injury right before the Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales and Victoria.
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Pattinson last played a test match at SCG in 2020.
Cricket Australia released a statement in which they said that Pattinson is retiring from international cricket, although he has not played T20 internationals or ODIs in several years.
“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,” Pattinson said in the statement.
“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.”
Pattison was a part of Mumbai Indians squad that won the tournament last year in UAE. Although Pattinson has made up his mind to quit international cricket, but the latter hopes to see himself in the domestic arena. He wishes to see himself playing the county cricket in England.
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“Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket,” Pattinson said. “I have had a great time over the years and thank Cricket Australia for the opportunities, the faith they have put in me, and of course all of my team-mates through the journey.
Pattison started his test career for Australian way back in 2011. He made his debut against New Zealand in 2011. He picked up 5 wickets conceding 27 runs in the 2nd innings of that match. He managed to pick up 26 wickets in first five tests. The latter has managed to pick 81 wickets in 26 tests so far.
Pattinson regularly dealt with injuries and could play a maximum of 5 matches in a year. He dealt with a back injury which required a spinal fusion surgery in 2017. In his 10-year long career he has played 21 tests, 15 ODIs and 4 T20Is for Australia in international cricket.
Former Australian skipper and currently the chairman of selectors George Bailey paid tribute to Pattinson.
“Everyone who has played with Patto has thrived on his competitive nature and the sheer pride he takes in playing for his country,” Bailey said.
“James epitomises what it means to play for Australia, the sacrifices you make and the hurdles you have to overcome on the journey.
“But his record speaks for itself, he has been a wonderful player. We would have loved to have seen a lot more of him over the years.”
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