James Pattinson retires from international cricket

Australian paceman James Pattinson has announced his retirement from international cricket after constantly battling with injuries throughout his 10-year career. The 31-year-old, however, will continue to play domestic cricket in Australia.

"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 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."

Pattinson was eager to feature in the upcoming Ashes series and was set to play domestic cricket to prepare himself for the big series. However, his state-side Victoria and New South Wales were not able to play red-ball cricket in the early part of the summer because of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The two teams were set to play two back-to-back Sheffield Shield fixtures and but a knee injury ruled Pattinson out of the first encounter. That turned out to be the breaking point for Pattinson. The Australian team management and selection committee were surprised by his decision but Pattinson felt this was the right time to announce his retirement. 

"Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket. 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." "Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket.

"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."

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. 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, who hasn't played a Test match since January 2020, featured in 21 Tests, 15 One-Day Internationals and four T20 Internationals for Australia. The right-arm fast bowler, who made his international debut in 2011, picked up 81 Tests wickets at an average of 26.33 and a strike rate of 48.90.