International Cricket News: James Pattinson, an Australian pacer, has announced his Test cricket retirement, effective immediately. Cricket fans were surprised to learn about the fast bowler's early retirement, at just the age of 31.
Pattinson represented Australia in 21 Tests during ten years. In 2011, he made his debut against New Zealand, and in 2019, he faced the same opponents for the final time.
Pattinson had requested the selectors not to consider him for the Ashes 2021-22, according to an Australia based news publication. However, stronger domestic performance, according to some reports, might lead to a change of heart.
Pattinson's career has been plagued by injuries and strong rivalry for a place in the Test team. For much of the previous few years, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood were in top form, so the 31-year-old didn't have many chances to show off his skills.
Pattinson was recovering from a knee ailment and hoped to be ready for the Ashes in time. However, with this new development, the promising fast bowler may no longer be able to represent Australia in the whites.
James Pattinson was determined to make a final push for a Test match place.
Earlier this year, James Pattinson stated that he will give the Test match berth a final go in the following season. If he didn't succeed, he planned to retire from Test cricket and focus on the local circuit.
“The hardest part as you get older is that you want to try and enjoy your cricket as well. You put all your attention into playing cricket for Australia and at some stage that finishes.”
“This year is a big one for me if I can crack in and try and get an opportunity at the Test level. If not then I probably wouldn’t mind just looking to try and enjoy my cricket somewhere towards the back-end of my career,” Pattinson told Cricket Australia’s website.
In 21 Tests, the right-arm fast took 81 wickets for an average of 26.33. Pattinson's first two series, against New Zealand and India, were his best in his career, with him taking 25 wickets at an average of 18 per match.