Australia pacer James Pattinson on Wednesday (October 20) called time on his international cricket career ahead of the Ashes 2021-22, slated to begin on December 8 at the Gabba.
Pattinson, 31, decided to step aside from international cricket to spend time with his family. He will continue to play for his state side Victoria and help develop the next generation of fast bowlers.
In his unfulfilling career marred by a number of injuries, Pattinson represented Australia in 21 Tests, 15 ODIs, and 4 T20Is after making his debut in 2011. While the right-armer took 81 wickets in the longest format, he picked 16 and 3 scalps in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
Pattinson was hopeful of donning the whites during the upcoming Ashes series for the last time, but he couldn’t recover in time from the knee injury he sustained while fielding in an intra-squad Victorian trial game late last month.
"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 a 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.
"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."
George Bailey, chairman of the Australian men's national selection committee, hailed Pattinson's contribution to Australia, saying: "Everyone who has played with Patto has thrived on his competitive nature and the sheer pride he takes in playing for his country."
"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."
Pattinson further thanked his country’s cricket board for supporting him through the difficult periods.
"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.
"They have instilled a lot of trust in me especially at times when I have been injured and helped me through those times. For that, I am very grateful."
James Pattinson’s last Test appearance came against New Zealand in January 2020 while he played his last ODI in September 2015 and his last T20I was in March 2012.
(With Cricbuzz inputs)
