James Pattinson, the Australian fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the home Ashes series. The Victoria pacer has been troubled by a knee injury for a major part of his career. Pattinson has made the decision to retire from international cricket to focus on family, playing for his state, and helping the next generation of fast bowlers.
Pattinson played 21 Tests, 15 ODIs, and 4 T20Is picking 81, 16, and 3 wickets respectively. He made his Test debut in December 2011 against New Zealand at the Gabba. The 31-year-old bagged a five-for in each of his first two Tests and was named player-of-the-series. He was also a part of the Ashes retaining squad in England in 2019.
“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. “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 percent fit and ready to go at any time. That would not be fair to myself or the team. 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.”
‘The hardest part as you get older is that you want to try an enjoy your cricket as well’: James Pattinson
Pattinson thanked the Australian cricket board for supporting him through his injuries. He 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. They have instilled a lot of trust in me. For that, I am very grateful.”
Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey said: “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.”
