Published: Jan 16, 2016, 09:54 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 16, 2016, 09:54 AM (IST)
Sydney, (Australia): Australia fast bowler James Pattinson has shin soreness and will not be available for his Melbourne Renegades team in the Twenty20 Big Bash League on Monday, Cricket Australia said Saturday. Pattinson, who took 13 wickets in the recent Test series against the West Indies, experienced soreness in his left shin towards the end of that series. Cricket Australia said Pattinson will be unavailable for the Renegades’ BBL clash with Adelaide Strikers in Melbourne on Monday. READ: India vs Australia 2015-16: Host’s likely XI for 3rd ODI at MCG
Cricket Australia said the decision to stand Pattinson down from Renegades duty was taken by the organisation’s medical staff in consultation with the BBL team.
“It is felt to be a prudent approach to the ongoing management of his shin, especially with a tour of New Zealand, Twenty20 internationals in South Africa and the ICC World Twenty20 to follow after the Australian season,” Cricket Australia said in a statement. Pattinson last played a T20 match almost a year ago, during the previous edition of the Big Bash League. He has not played a T20 international since March 2012. The Renegades are currently fourth in the BBL table, and need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. READ: Why India-Australia bilateral limited-overs cricket is not exciting anymore
The pacer was not included for the ODI series against India despite being fit and available for selection. Cricket Australia opted to rest the injury-prone bowler after the three Tests against West Indies. However, with lack of aggression and penetration by the current Australian bowlers, experts are now left wondering as to why Pattinson wasn’t picked by the selectors.
