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New-look Pattinson taking it slow

Speedster targeting 2015 Ashes tour

Australian paceman James Pattinson aims to make next year's Ashes tour as he slowly returns from his latest back injury.

The 24-year-old is pleased with his progress, but does not expect to return to Test cricket this year.

Pattinson suffered another back stress fracture earlier this year, spending the Australian winter in rehabilitation.

He has also remodelled his bowling action.

Pattinson is batting for Dandenong in Premier cricket and hopes to bowl for them over the next few weeks.

But he is being careful not to put any timeframe on a return to interstate cricket, let alone a potential Australian comeback.

"My realistic goal is trying to get in form, to be picked for the Ashes next year," he said.

"That's where I want to be.

"A lot of that will be around coming through, playing in the back end of the (Sheffield) Shield season.

"If that (means) playing a couple of games before that with the Renegades (in the Big Bash League), fantastic."

Pattinson said the changes to his bowling action meant the counter-rotation in his delivery stride had dropped from about 60 per cent to 30.

He added anything above 35 meant a much greater risk of lower back trouble.

"I've obviously had a lot more time ... to get things right with my bowling action, which I needed," Pattinson said.

"The more I bowl, the better I feel."

While the time out of cricket has been fruitful, he admits it has also tested his patience.

"The biggest challenge of it is having that competitive edge taken away from you," he said.

"I'm an aggressive guy when I get out there, so I don't really get to do that when I'm injured."

But Pattinson knows he must be careful and take his time.

"I don't think I will be any chance of playing any Tests this year," he said.

"That's all just a bit rushed for me.

"I want to make sure I get it right now and be ready to go when I'm 26 and not get injured again."

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