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Pattinson gives England a peek at pace riches

The Victorian firebrand has lit up county cricket's second division but has bigger goals in mind on his English jaunt

After a torrid 12 months fighting back from injury, James Pattinson is now unleashing his frustrations on quivering English division two county batters.

Soon after helping Victoria retain the Sheffield Shield title last month, the 26-year-old tearaway was on a flight to England to take up a three-month contract with Nottinghamshire and made a blistering debut last week.

A shell-shocked Leicestershire were reeling after facing England talisman Stuart Broad and Pattinson with the new ball on an overcast day at Grace Road as the pair took six wickets between them to dismiss the hosts for 251.

They combined again with the bat, putting on 122 for the eighth wicket – the Australian contributing a career-best 89 not out – as the visitors recovered from 7-167 to finish all out for 329.

Quick Single: All-round Pattinson fires on debut

Pattinson then ripped through Leicestershire's second innings, taking 5-29 to roll the Foxes for 81 as Notts wrapped up a 10-wicket win.

Although it wasn't against Test batters, Pattinson's display was a reminder to England of the embarrassment of fast bowling riches Australia possesses ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

He hasn't played international red-ball cricket since February 2016 due to shin and back problems, but boasts a healthy tally of 70 victims in 17 Tests at an average of 27.66.

Despite this, Pattinson has slipped behind Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and fit-again Patrick Cummins in the pecking order.

Quick Single: Pattinson's five breaks Notts drought

However, with the opening Brisbane Test little more than seven months away, the prospect of the fearsome four taking the field together for the first time in an all-out pace attack on a juicy Gabba wicket is a mouth-watering one.

"Obviously I'd love that to happen," Pattinson told AAP.

"But I've learnt from all of these setbacks to not to look too far ahead. I just want to bowl as well as I can for Notts and see where it takes me."

Quick Single: The 'animal' ready to transform Test XI

A discussion with brother Darren, who played one Test for England in 2008, and Test bowling coach David Saker convinced Pattinson to skip the IPL for a spell in county cricket.

And when Victorian teammate Peter Siddle pulled out of his contract with Nottinghamshire, Pattinson had no hesitation in joining the county.

Saker, who held a similar role with England for five years, also encouraged him to learn as much as possible from Australia's nemesis Broad with the 2019 Ashes series in England very much in mind.

"We've not won in England since 2001 so hopefully down the track this time can serve me well," Pattinson said.

Quick Single: 'Big Four' a fearsome Ashes prospect

"I've always wanted to play county cricket, and once Nottinghamshire were interested there was no one else I wanted to play for given our family's association with the club.

"I've played against Broady many times, but never played with him. He's a world-class player with over 360 Test wickets and a master in English conditions.

"I love the way he plays, he's a real competitor and I'll pick his brain as much as he'll let me."


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2017-18 International Fixtures:

Men's Ashes Series


First Test Gabba, November 23-27


Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night)


Third Test Perth TBC, December 14-18


Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30


Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test)


ODI Series v England


First ODI MCG, January 14


Second ODI Gabba, January 19


Third ODI SCG, January 21


Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26


Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28


Prime Minister's XI


PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2


T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series


First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3


Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7


Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10


Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14


Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16


Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18


Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21