Saker 'frustrated' with Pattinson resting

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers coach David Saker says the resting of star fast bowler James Pattinson for this week’s Sheffield Shield clash was at the request of Cricket Australia and not Victoria's preference.

Pattinson, who has had a series of injury setbacks in the past 18 months, has been left out of the Bushrangers squad for the match against NSW Blues in Sydney, starting on Friday.

Saker says the 25-year-old, who has played every match for Victoria this summer, needs games under his belt if he is to improve and regain his place in Australia's Test team.

"They (Cricket Australia) make that decision and they think it’s the best call for him, so we have to back it up," Saker told News Limited.

"He’s unhappy about it – because he just wants to play cricket. It’s pretty frustrating for him.

"Last year he was pulled out of quite a few games ... he needs to play cricket to get better.

"He’s going really well at the moment, so it’s frustrating that we have to pull him out of this game, but he understands where they’re coming from and we’re working with Cricket Australia.

"But it can be frustrating at times, no doubt." 

WATCH: Pattinson takes four against Bulls

Saker has been vocal about the treatment of Pattinson since taking the reins of Victoria after his tenure as England's bowling coach ended prior to the Ashes this winter.

The Bushrangers coach said last month that Pattinson should not be considered for Test selection until the end of the year as the young quick continues to develop with his new bowling action.

Bupa Support Team Head Coach Darren Lehmann, one of Australia's four-man national selection panel, hit back at Saker's comments.

"I think David Saker should concentrate on coaching Victoria and leave us to pick the side for Australia," Lehmann said.

"And if James Pattinson is in and ready to go then we think highly of him. We won't rush him back in if he's not right. He's got to be ready to play.

"I think what we've got to do is pick the side that's going to take 20 wickets, and that's what we always do."

But the man in question, Pattinson, says he's content with the decision to miss Victoria's second round Sheffield Shield match at the SCG starting tomorrow.

The right-armer has played 13 Tests but none in more than 18 months, with back and hamstring injuries hindering his return to the five-day game.

Pattinson made his international comeback in the 50-over format in England in September, bowling with searing pace and late swing but without the accuracy that saw him debut for Australia as a 21-year-old four years ago.

"It was always part of the plan for me to miss this one," Pattinson told Fairfax.

"Coming back into cricket I had a good run of eight Matador Cup matches - and I was the only fast bowler to bowl 10 overs in each game - and then straight into the Shield so it was always the plan to miss the second one.

"I would have loved to play but Cricket Australia felt it was best to manage the load.

"Looking big picture it is the right thing to do, we have three Shield games after this and I will be clear to play those." 

WATCH: Pattinson's new action

While Victoria lose one spearhead they gain another with Peter Siddle returning to the side to play against the Blues after the veteran was overlooked for the first Commonwealth Bank Test against the Black Caps in Brisbane.

Siddle was named 12th man for Australia and will fly to Sydney today for the Shield match tomorrow, replacing young fast bowler Chris Tremain in the Bushrangers squad.

"While it is disappointing for Peter to be left out of the Australian side, it is pleasing that he has been released to return to the Bushrangers to ensure he remains in great bowling form for the second Test in Perth next week," Victorian chairman of selectors Andrew Lynch said.

"We know Tremain would have played an important role for us and that he will receive that chance some time in the near future.

"We’re lucky at the moment that we have a lot of players in good form so competition for a spot in the side is fierce."