Follow UsKurtis Patterson made a much-awaited comeback to the Australian A setup for the first time since 2020. The left-handed batter was included in the squad for the series against England Lions at home.
After being dropped from NSW’s Shield squad last summer, the left-hander has had a resurgence with the bat, scoring 527 runs at 105.40, with five scores of fifty or more. The 31-year-old’s last gig with the national team was six years ago against Sri Lanka, where he scored a century.
Fellow New South Welshman Jack Edwards has been named as the captain for the setup in what could also be his Australia A debut. Will Sutherland and Aaron Hardie are in the squad as well with an eye on next year’s Ashes Down Under.
"Following two Australia A fixtures against India A earlier this season which had short-term relevance to the Border Gavaskar Trophy, this match is a valuable opportunity to expose exciting young talent against quality international opposition with a longer lens," said national selector Tony Dodemaide.
"We expect a highly competitive contest against a Lions team who will be keen to stake their individual claims for selection in next summer’s Ashes tour of Australia."
Xavier Bartlett has made a return to the red-ball scheme of things, joining the likes of Jordan Buckingham, Fergus O'Neill, Brendan Doggett and skipper Edwards himself to form the pace unit.
Australia A: Jack Edwards (NSW) (c), Xavier Bartlett (Qld), Brendan Doggett (SA), Jordan Buckingham (SA), Jayden Goodwin (WA), Aaron Hardie (WA), Fergus O'Neill (Vic), Kurtis Patterson (NSW), Josh Philippe (NSW), Corey Rocchiccioli (WA), Will Sutherland (Vic), Tim Ward (Tas)