Maxwell's praise for 'world-class' Patto

Glenn Maxwell has lauded James Pattinson as a “world-class performer” as the Victorian paceman prepares to make his push for Ashes selection.

Pattinson is in the early stages of his stint with English county Nottinghamshire before he links up with the Australia A one-day and four-day squads from around mid-June.

The 28-year-old last played Test cricket three years ago and underwent serious back surgery in November, 2017.

But Pattinson was in the red-hot form in the back end of the JLT Sheffield Shield campaign, collecting 7-71 in the final to lead the Vics to their fourth title in five seasons and finishing with 26 wickets at 18.92 for the season.

In full flight, Pattinson is recognised as one of the best bowlers in the country and boasts 70 wickets from 17 Tests.

Maxwell, who is set to play a key role in Australia’s World Cup defence in coming months before the Ashes start in August, rated his Victorian teammate alongside reigning Allan Border medallist Pat Cummins.

“He's right up there with Pat Cummins with the quality he has with the extra pace, the element of fear that he puts in a batter and just his ability to control the ball,” Maxwell told Gerard Whateley on SEN radio.

“He's got amazing control of what he does with the ball, he’s able rush batters, and he's able to think them out as well. 

“He's got great skills to be able to swing the ball both ways and charge in and bowl a full spell of bumpers if need be. 

“I think his control is something that people often forget about. Throw in that he's a handy lower-order batter as well and he's a hell of a package.”

Pattinson was named on Cricket Australia's 20-player list of centrally contracted men's cricketers for 2019-20 earlier this month in a boost to his Ashes ambitions.

Victoria coach Andrew McDonald has tempered expectations surrounding Pattinson, declaring he would need to be managed and said a heavy workload could lead to further injury.

"I think he's a two-Test player, but he could win you those two Test matches," McDonald said, pointing to the Ashes series.

"When he plays, Australia's odds increase greatly in terms of winning the Test match. But we can't get overexcited in terms of what his body can cope with.”

Head selector Trevor Hohns said having Pattinson available “for a long time” remained the priority, while Maxwell also called for caution.

In 2017, Pattinson had major surgery on his spine, where a bone graft from his hip was used along with pins and wire to clamp shut the troublesome vertebrae that has caused him constant issues. 

There was no guarantee the surgery would work, and he could have had a successful and profitable short-form career without it. 

But Pattinson’s No.1 goal has always been completing a return to Test cricket. 

He has also thrived in the UK, taking seven wickets in two matches in the 2013 Ashes before returning to England for a devastating stint with Notts in 2017, in which he captured 32 wickets at 12.06 in five matches.

“As soon as he does get his opportunity at international level again – it will happen at some stage – he's going to do well,” Maxwell said.

“He's looking strong, he's fit, we know the damage he can do. We’ve seen it before. 

“The excitement around him is warranted but that thought of just getting him through a full season and letting him play his cricket and not putting too much pressure on to whiz him back into the Australian side is there. 

“Hopefully he can stay on the park for a bit longer and really build up that bowling strength he desperately craves. 

“Once he gets that and gets consistent time out on the field, I’m sure he's going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

Qantas Ashes Tour of the UK 2019

Tour match: Australia v Australia A, Hampshire, July 23-26

First Test: August 1-5 at Edgbaston, Birmingham

Tour match: Australia v Worcester, August 7-9

Second Test: August 14-18 at Lord's, London

Third Test: August 22-26 at Headingley, Leeds

Tour match: Australia v Derbyshire, August 29-31

Fourth Test: September 4-8 at Old Trafford, Manchester

Fifth Test: September 12-16 at The Oval, London