James Pattinson announcement stuns cricket world: 'Really difficult'
Former Aussie Test fast bowler James Pattinson has announced he has 'mutually' terminated his contract with Victoria to take an extended break away from cricket.
Pattinson announced on Wednesday that he would be taking an extended break after he returned from linking up with Nottinghamshire in County Cricket in the UK.
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Pattinson hadn't played a match since July 26 due to injury.
He had recently been released from his Melbourne Renegades contract for the upcoming BBL season in order to spend time with his family.
The 32-year-old has been battling a number of injuries and agreed with Victoria that he needed time away from the game.
The news comes as Pattinson and his wife Kayla welcomed their second child in recent months.
“This decision has been a really difficult one for me given my how much I love playing for Victoria and have given it my all for the last 14 years,” Pattinson said in a statement.
“After the birth of our second child and my now well-documented injuries in recent years, it’s the right time to take a break from the game.
"I owe it to my teammates and myself and at the moment it’s clear I need the rest. It will also allow me to spend more time at home with our daughters.
“Some of my fondest memories playing cricket have been for Victoria, the success we’ve had and friendships I’ve made.
"The fire still burns deep in me but I’m also honest about where I’m at.”
While he has stepped away from state cricket with Victoria, Pattinson didn't announce his retirement from the game completely.
The right-arm bowler has won three Sheffield Shield titles with Victoria after making his debut back in 2008.
James Pattinson's international career
Pattinson called time on his international Test career back in October last year.
The fast-bowler was dealing with a knee injury at the time.
Persistent injuries limited him to just 17 Tests in the first five years of his career - but there was no denying his talent in the limited time he spent in the national side.
thanks for everything Patto
— Renee Burge (@qlotti) September 21, 2022
JUST IN: Former Australian paceman James Pattinson has "mutually terminated" the final year of his Cricket Victoria contract so he can take an extended break from the game and spend more time with his young family.#MarshCup #SheffieldShield
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) September 21, 2022
Enormous news of James Pattinson stepping away from Victoria. He’s provided so much to each level of cricket he has played.
— Tyler Lewis (@tmlew_) September 21, 2022
James Pattinson has "mutually terminated" the final year of his Victoria contract due to injuries and wanting to spend more time with family after the birth of his second child.
Terrific bowler who had the potential to achieve anything, but injuries took their toll.— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 21, 2022
In 21 career Tests, Pattinson snared 86 wickets at an average of 26 - figures many believe would be even better had he been granted better fortune and stability within the lineup.
Pattinson burst onto the Test scene taking a five-wicket haul on his debut.
However, he was consistently battling back injuries in his earlier days.
An injury while mowing his lawn kept him out of the 2019/20 Border-Gavaskar series against India, while he missed a Test against New Zealand before returning to play a further two.
He signalled the 2021 summer as his last opportunity to play for Australia.
However, he later admitted he wanted to sit back and enjoy his cricket in the latter part of his career.
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