Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has ventured to Trent Bridge, returning for a third stint with English county club Nottinghamshire.
The 31-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket late last year, prior to Australia's Ashes series against England and his stunning start to the 2021/22 Sheffield Shield campaign with Victoria.
Despite his back turned on representing his country internationally, Pattinson is still set to compete abroad, linking up with Notts for the 2022 season.
With his brother Darren having previously been a championship player for Nottinghamshire, Pattinson said he feels at home at Trent Bridge.
“Trent Bridge felt like home from the moment I first stepped through the gates,” Pattinson said.
“To arrive here and be met by a group of guys that made me so welcome from minute dot was pretty special, and I’m looking forward to getting back amongst them again.
“The family link with Darren having done what he did in Nottingham a few years back, and with Dad having played football at junior level for Forest, made it feel like an authentic fit for me right from the off. I knew straight away that I’d found a county I could be really passionate about representing.
“The bowling group did some special things last season. Hopefully I can add something to that and help the club enjoy some success in the coming years.
“Once I get that badge back on my chest and the ball in my hand, there’ll be no backward steps taken for sure. It’ll be a case of ripping into the season and giving it everything to win matches for the club.”
Pattinson recently featured for the East Midlands club in 2017 and 2019, where his devastating attack was on show, averaging 15.52 across his 40 wickets in the domestic competition.
Those numbers were skewed by the Victorian's stunning first campaign with Notts, where he claimed 32 wickets at an average of 12.06.
Pattinson has continued his dominance this summer with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield and with BBL franchise the Melbourne Renegades.
The paceman has since departed the Renegades' camp as he sets his focus on the remainder of the shield season before departing for the UK later this year.
