Pattinson signs new Renegades deal

Melbourne Renegades have secured paceman James Pattinson for three more KFC Big Bash League seasons.

Pattinson, who has just finished touring India with the Australia A squad, will return as the leader of the Renegades attack after winning the team’s Player of the Season award last summer.

The 25-year-old fast bowler missed selection in the Australia Test squads for the Caribbean and British Isles due to injury but played four matches for Australia A in India, collecting four wickets,  and was subsequently named in Australia’s limited-overs squads to take on Ireland and England at the end of the month.

Pattinson back in green and gold

Pattinson played five matches for the Renegades in the BBL|04 season after returning from a back injury.

Quick single: Pattinson set for next step on comeback trail

"It’s going to be an exciting season for our fans with Gayle and Finchy in the top order,” Pattinson said.

“We have a good squad together with my Victorian teammate Cameron White also joining so we will definitely be looking at a finals position.

“From a personal point of view, I can’t wait to bowl alongside Sidds (Peter Siddle), Bravo, Rimmo (Nathan Rimmington), Nick Winter and X (Xavier Doherty).”

As well as playing alongside West Indies star Gayle in BBL|05, Pattinson will also be under the guidance of new coach David Saker.

Pattinson back with a BANG

Former England bowling coach Saker, who has also taken the helm at the Commonwealth Bank Victoria Bushrangers, discussed his plan to nurture the talents of Pattinson in June.

“James is a special sort of talent and we’ve got to try and get him on the park, not just for Victoria but for Australia,” Saker said at the time.

“If he gets on the park he’s one of the best bowlers in the world.

“He’s had some injury dramas as most fast bowlers do, but we can sort that out.”

The Renegades will kick off their BBL|05 campaign against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on December 19.