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The dormant volcano that is James Pattinson has erupted, and his case for selection in this year’s Ashes is becoming more compelling by the day.
After countless injury setbacks, the tearaway quick’s return to the Sheffield Shield in recent weeks has again underlined his distinct threat with the Dukes ball. With ten wickets in two matches at 12.3, Pattinson has shone in the post-BBL rounds.
It continues a close affinity with the English-made ball, following a famous period with Nottinghamshire in 2017. There, he took 32 wickets in five matches and was all but assured Australian selection for the Bangladesh tour that followed. But in an all-too familiar sequence, he picked up a back injury that kept him out for 15 months.
The setback further frustrated a public that had already prefixed him as ‘injury prone quick’ James Pattinson, and raised questions whether we’d ever see him in action for Australia again.
Returning, again, late last year in the Sheffield Shield, he bowled strongly albeit without the rewards of recent weeks. But a side strain, cuing a collective sigh among cricket fans, ruled him out of the Big Bash in January, just five games in.
His return in the last month is a considerable Ashes boost for Australia. Pattinson is the only quick in Australia capable of consistently moving the ball away at speeds exceeding 145km/h.
James Pattinson bowls for Australia. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
There’s a rhythm and ferocity with which he bowls that triggers normally-assured batsmen onto the back foot, a skill he combines with an enviable habit of drawing the outside edge. Eight of his ten victims since returning have been top five batsmen, further underlining his impact.
While Pattinson’s pace and swing with the Dukes is his most dangerous weapons, an equally-important asset is his control. Australia’s three paceman during the 2015 Ashes series (Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Johnson) leaked runs, and were more expensive than all of England’s quicks.
This stymied the tourists’ ability to build pressure in the field, something the home side conversely exploited. While Pattinson isn’t an economical bowler per se, his experience in controlling the ball when it’s hooping is a valued commodity.
It would be remiss not to dissect Pattinson’s proneness for injury, which makes him a selection risk.
Also, given he hasn’t played a Test since 2016, question inevitably arise about his potential impact from the outset. But his lead-in to the Ashes answers both these questions.
Pattinson will have another stint at Notts in the first half of the County Championship before almost definitely being picked for the Australia A UK tour.
This gives him the majority of the UK season to prepare for the first Test on August 1. Further, on a workload front, the early season stint at Notts on greener decks will mean he won’t be bowling 40+ overs across two innings like in an oppressive Australian summer, exposing himself to stress-related injuries.
On the ensuing ‘A’ tour his bowling would be managed carefully.
Like an Ernie Ells swing, Pattinson steaming in at full pace is sporting poetry. A return to full fitness is exciting for Australian cricket.
In his 17 Tests to date we’ve seen devastating spells of note against the West Indies, India and New Zealand on debut. Interestingly, Pattinson debuted alongside Mitchell Starc (and David Warner) against the Black Caps in 2011.
Column inches were filled, at the time, with debate about which of the pair could lead Australia’s line for the next decade.
While Starc has clearly taken that mantle, Pattinson remains, for the many, the more dangerous quick at full fitness. And his numbers tell the tale. With 70 wickets at 26.2, the Victorian’s Test average shades Starc’s (211 wickets at 28.2).
Today, he turns out for Victoria in the Shield Final against a NSW side he took 5-for against just 14 days ago.
Another strong performance with the ball will make his case for selection even more compelling. Here’s hoping he’s blessed with an extended period of good health.