Aussie quick James Pattinson has declared that he's good to go for the two-Test series against New Zealand
Pattinson ready to go for NZ Tests
James Pattinson says that he has overcome the injury issues that have kept him out of action for nearly a month before he flies out early for the two-test series of the Qantas Tour of New Zealand.
The fiery quick was withdrawn by Cricket Australia midway through the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Tasmania and will fly out tonight to Wellington to prepare for the upcoming Test matches.
He bowled 21.3 overs across the first two days of the match at the MCG taking 3-81, after not playing for nearly a month because of shin pain following the Commonwealth Bank Test series against the West Indies.
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The 25 year-old was happy with his bowling form and how his body was feeling leading into the Tests against the Kiwis.
“I was a bit rusty early on but I hit my straps in the second innings,” he said.
“I’m feeling good, I had no problem bowling (in the Shield game) after not really having much bowling leading into it.
“I’m really happy with the way my body pulled up and I’m just looking forward to getting over to New Zealand.”
Despite being the equal leading wicket-taker in the West Indies Tests (he and Nathan Lyon took 13 wickets each), Pattinson doesn’t expect to be an automatic selection for the first Test against the Kiwis, praising recent call-ups Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers.
“We’ve got some great bowlers for the conditions and it’s going to be pretty tough to get into the (first Test XI),” Pattinson said.
“The conditions are going to be different over there.
“It’s great to see Chadd Sayers is in (the Test squad) after performing really well in domestic cricket for the last few years.
“Jackson Bird’s a class bowler – I’m sure the conditions will suit him.”
Pattinson insisted that he wasn’t aware that he would be pulled out of the Shield match before it started.
“I went into the game thinking I was going to play the whole game,” he said.
“The hierarchy at Cricket Australia and the physios have come together and thought it was best (for me) to prepare for the Test series.
“I got a good hit out so I think the selectors and medical staff are pretty happy with where I’m at.”
The Test series begins February 12 in Wellington.