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Pattinson continues his trail of destruction

Victorian speedster partners up with Stuart Broad, combining to take three wickets in six overs before stumps at Trent Bridge

Australia paceman James Pattinson has yet again caused carnage in England's County Championship.

Pattinson took his season wicket tally to 15, the second-highest in Division Two, with two late scalps on the opening day of Nottinghamshire's clash with Sussex at Trent Bridge, after teammate Riki Wessels earlier posted a rapid double-century.

With six overs to bowl before stumps, the Victorian needed just five balls to make the first incision, trapping Chris Nash plumb in front with a full delivery.


England Test quick Stuart Broad then struck from the other end with Harry Finch departing in the same fashion.

Handed the unenviable task of negotiating two of the best fast bowlers in the world in his first Championship match of the year, nightwatchman Stu Whittingham lasted two balls before Pattinson uprooted his off-stump.

Since returning from serious injury earlier this year, Pattinson has claimed 39 wickets at 15.13, while his 15 scalps in English conditions have cost 11.46 apiece.

The 26-year-old admitted during the week he's relished the chance to play alongside his Ashes rival turned teammate, Broad.

Quick Single: Broad lends helping hand to Aussie speedster

"The first game we opened the bowling together and it was pretty surreal," Pattinson, who was picked in Australia's Champions Trophy squad this week, told RSN. 

"I never thought I'd be opening the bowling with Stuart Broad after playing Test matches against him.

"It's fantastic the way he talks about cricket, he's played 100 Test matches and I think he's just only turned 30.

"He's a pretty good bowler and has been for a number of years. He has been helping me out a fair bit."

Pattinson, Handscomb fire in county cricket

Pattinson's blitz came after a destructive knock from Wessels, the son of former Australia and South Africa Test batsman Kepler.

The right-hander arrived at the crease with Notts 4-84, and the Outlaws were soon reduced to 5-88.

But Wessels, who played for the Sydney Sixers in the 2014-15 edition of the KFC Big Bash League, unleashed a devastating counter-attack, launching seven sixes and 22 fours in a 177-ball, unbeaten 202.

Quick Single: Handscomb gets early look at Root

"It's nice to get my first double hundred, I'm grateful for it," said Wessel, who found a willing ally in Broad (57) as Notts reached 447.

"I value my four-day cricket a lot. Championship cricket is special.

"The icing on the cake is having them three down. Our bowling attack means we feel we'll get sides out twice.

"It's nice to get runs on the board to give them something to bowl at."

Quick Single: He was plumb! Pattinson explain ECB sanction

At Lord's, Middlesex captain Adam Voges watched on as Australian-born former England Test opener Sam Robson (144 not out) and Nick Gubbins (101) batted the majority of a rain-affected first day against Essex.

Yorkshire's Peter Handscomb took to the field for the first time with new England Test captain Joe Root, as Hampshire racked up 4-281 thanks to an unbeaten 143 from James Vince.

John Hastings made a not out 20 as Worcestershire were bundled out for 188 at New Road but his four overs cost 33, with Northamptonshire crumbling to 6-102 in reply.