Quantcast

Pattinson hopeful for Gabba Test

Aussie quick James Pattinson says the back injury which ended his Ashes campaign is no longer painful and he's hopeful of playing in the return series in November.

Australia's five-Test summer against England starts on November 21 in Brisbane and strike bowler Pattinson says he's making progress in his bid to be available for selection.

The Victorian quick, who has also battled rib and foot injuries during his 12-Test career, broke down with stress fractures of his back after taking seven wickets at 43.85 in the first two Tests of the 2013 Ashes series in England.

QUICK SINGLE: Ryan Harris injury update

Speaking on Thursday at Richmond West Primary School at a promotion for the playcricket.com.au website, Pattinson says he may need to fine-tune his bowling action in a bid to stay injury-free.

"I've looked at some video analysis of my action," Pattinson said.

"There's a couple of things I can fix up there that could probably limit the stress that I put on my back.

"Bowling eight of the nine days that we played (in the first two of the 2013 Ashes series in England) didn't help a lot.

"It's only six weeks now from when I injured it.

"It's coming along pretty good so far."

Pattinson says he's been doing some body-weight rehabilitation work but no running or bowling.

"I'm probably where I'm supposed to be at the moment," the 23-year-old said.

"The pain's gone ... which is a bonus.

"I'll be touch and go for Brisbane. I'm going to have to get my workload up for that month (November) during Shield cricket."

Pattinson admits Australia's fast-bowling depth is strong and says Ryan Harris gave a superb performance in England, claiming 24 wickets at 19.58.

"I'll be putting my hand up to play every Test but the physios will have the final say," Pattinson said.

"It (injury) probably hit me a bit harder this time, being over there and such an important series.

"It is a bit disappointing. You show character and move forward and it's another important series coming up."