Published: Dec 09, 2015, 09:31 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 09, 2015, 09:31 AM (IST)
Skipper Steven Smith backed James Pattinson to deliver the “X-factor” as he makes his return to Test cricket leading Australia‘s attack in the first Test against West Indies from Thursday. Injury-plagued Pattinson, who played the last of his 13 Tests against South Africa in March 2014, got the nod ahead of Nathan Coulter-Nile to replace Mitchell Starc, who is out with a stress fracture in his foot. He will join Josh Hazlewood, man-of-the-match in the Adelaide day-night Test against New Zealand, and Peter Siddle in the new-ball attack, backed up by all-rounder Mitch Marsh. READ: Australia announce team for 1st Test against West Indies in Hobart
“Patto’s a quality bowler. He bowls at 150kph (93 mph) when he’s got everything together,” Smith said in Hobart in announcing the team Wednesday. So he brings that kind of X-factor to the team. He’s got a lot of aggression he’s not afraid to show, which I think is a great attribute. He just needs to go out and do what he does well. He is similar to Hazlewood the way he bowls. Hopefully those two can lead the attack well. Hopefully, he can have a successful comeback into the Australian team.”
The first Test in Hobart is a fresh start for Pattinson, who has recovered from chronic back and hamstring issues to force his way back into the side. But there was no place in the 11 for Western Australia quick Coulter-Nile, who was included in the initial 12-man squad despite not playing any domestic Sheffield Shield matches so far this summer because of a shoulder injury, sparking criticism.
“He’s been working extremely hard. He’s bowling extremely fast. I was facing him in the nets over the last couple of days. I’m not worried about him. I am sure he’s going to be around the squad this summer and he’ll get an opportunity to play at some point.”
