Pattinson closes County stint on a high

James Pattinson has signed off from his county cricket stint in England with a winner's medal around his neck, and a much-enhanced reputation for taking wickets with the Dukes ball.

Pattinson took 1-48 and hit the winning runs as Nottinghamshire beat Surrey in the final of English cricket's domestic one-day cup competition at Lord's on the weekend.

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It brings to a close the Victorian's stint with the Trent Bridge team, although the door has remained open for a return if the ongoing Memorandum of Understanding dispute drags on in Australia.

Pattinson finished his stint top of the county's one-day bowling charts, with 13 wickets at 36.53 in ten games, and an economy rate less than six in the high-scoring competition. And he capped it off with a victory at Lord's where he could reasonably expect to be in contention for an Ashes Test selection in two years' time.

"Playing cricket at Lord's it's a special occasion, but to win it is even more special," Pattinson told Nottingham's website.

"It was a pretty special day all-round and a great way to finish my stint with Notts."

Notts have had a break-out season and Pattinson has played no small part in that. With the one-day trophy safely in the cabinet, they also sit atop the County Championship table.

With the red Dukes ball in hand, Pattinson has taken 32 wickets in five first-class matches, including two five-wicket hauls, a best return of 5-29, and a miserly average of just 12.06.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity to come over and play some county cricket, I've always wanted to do it," the 27-year-old said.

"To be top of the County Championship at the moment and to win the one-day final is pretty special in my time here and I've thoroughly enjoyed it."

"Everyone's put in 100 per cent and I'm really proud of all the boys."

Pattinson has also been more than handy with the bat, pressing a growing case to be considered as a genuine allrounder.

He scored 197 runs in the County Championship at 49.25, passed fifty twice for a high of 89 not out. The returns in 50-over cricket were much more modest, but when your side has Alex Hales scoring an unbeaten 187 from 167 balls in the final, batting is not the primary concern.

Pattinson could make a long-awaited return to the Australian Test XI in the planned two-Test tour of Bangladesh slated for late August and early September.

But with Australian cricket yet to resolve the pay dispute, Notts are closely watching their new favourite overseas import.

"The chances are he'll be involved in their tour to Bangladesh, if that goes ahead," head coach Peter Moores said recently.

"What we do know is that he's fitted in brilliantly. Everyone loves him.

"If he becomes available for the end of the season of course we'd be interested."

Pattinson at Notts

First-class record

Matches: 5 | Wickets: 32 | 5WI: 2 | Ave: 12.06 | BBI: 5-29 | BBM: 8-71 | Runs: 197 | 50s: 2 | Ave: 49.25 | HS: 89*

One-day record

Matches: 10 | Wickets: 13 | Ave: 36.53 | BBI: 4-42 | Runs: 34 | Ave: 11.33 | HS: 10