MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 29: James Pattinson of Victoria appeals unsuccessfully during day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Not even a text from new Australian Test captain Pat Cummins was enough to change the mind of Victorian quick James Pattinson who announced his retirement from international cricket last month.
Pattinson has been in stellar form for Victoria this Sheffield Shield season and would most likely be right in the mix for Test selection should he be available.
A point that wasn't lost on the Cummins.
However, the 31-year-old said that his decision to call time on his career at the highest level was one made with an eye to the future condition of his body.
Pattinson said that he was content with his decision a month on from the announcement.
“I had a text from Patty (Cummins) asking if I had any second thoughts (about retiring from international cricket), but I’m just enjoying myself at the moment,” Pattinson told media.
“It’s the first time that I can sit back and prepare myself for a full season of Big Bash cricket and I’m excited about the team we’ve got this year.”
Australia look set to start its Ashes campaign with the reliable trip of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Western Australian Jye Richardson and Queenslander Michale Neser are also in the squad with selectors expected to make changes to the pace attack throughout the series.