James Pattinson retires rom International cricket

Picture Credit: Twitter/@CricketAus

In a big blow to the Australian cricket team ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, right-arm pacer James Pattinson has decided to retire from international career. Pattinson ended his stint at the highest level with 81 wickets to his name across 21 Tests, including four five-wicket hauls. He bowled at an average of 26.33 and an economy of 3.22 in the longest format. Apart from this, he also took 16 ODI and 3 T20I wickets in his short-lived white-ball career.

It is worth noting that Pattinson is just 31-year-old but his knee issues - which have troubled him for a while - have played a major role in his decision to retire at the highest level. He last played a Test for Australia in January 2020, while his last white-ball appearance for the nation came in October 2011.

I really wanted to give the Ashes a crack: Pattinson

Pattinson, who suffered a knee injury last month during intra-squad Victorian trial game, revealed that he really wanted to be a part of the upcoming Ashes. “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 as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“If I was to be part of the Ashes I would need to do myself and my teammates justice,” he said adding, “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," said Pattinson.

Meanwhile, the Ashes is set to commence on December 8 with rest of the games set to start on December 16, December 26, January 5 and January 14.