Pattinson to make return in 1st Ashes Test

Fast bowler James Pattinson is set to make is long awaited return to the Australia Test team, as he is expected to be picked in this weeks Ashes opener at Edgbaston.

The 29-year-old hasn’t worn the baggy green in over 3 years due to back injuries, his last Test coming February 2016. Australian coach Justin Langer announced today that “it’s a great story” that the Victorian will be back playing for his country.

Pattinson will join Pat Cummins in the Australian pace attack, with the selectors still decide between Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood or Peter Siddle for the final spot.

Pattinson is a handy inclusion for the Aussies as the battle spots in the team heats up. The tearaway quick has taken 70 wickets in 17 matches at Test level at an impressive average of 26.15.

He’s also no slouch with the bat, averaging 27.66, adding to Australia already deep batting lineup.

The first test of the 2019 Ashes series starts this Thursday 1st August at 8pm AEST.

Prior to the Ashes series, Pattinson impressed for his county team, taking 6/73 in a match against Kent. He was also in the wickets in the Australia A tour match against Sussex taking another 7 wickets for the game, before claiming another 4 scalps in final internal warm up match.

The Victorian has played just two Test matches against England in his career, both back in the 2013 series. He claimed 7 wickets before getting injured, ruling him for the rest of the series.