James Pattinson announces retirement from international cricket ahead of the Ashes

Australia pacer James Pattinson has decided to retire from international cricket with immediate effect. The announcement comes before the team’s scheduled Ashes series, which is set to get underway Down Under from December 8. Pattinson was expected to be named for the high-profile series along with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh. Now, Cricket Australia (CA) has to look at other alternatives.

Pattinson made his Test debut in 2011 against New Zealand but has only managed to play 21 Tests in 10 years. Throughout his career, injuries have had a big say. He burst onto the scene as someone who could clock speed in excess of 145kmp, but recurring knee issues hogged major limelight and that was one of the primary reasons he walked away from the game. The 31-year-old also featured in 15 ODIs and four T20Is and managed to pick 19 wickets across both formats.

In the past two years, he was a constant member of the Test team owing to his express pace and good control. Whenever the other senior pacers in the team the likes of Hazlewood and Starc were given a rest, Pattinson would play the Test match. Recently, he had flagged intentions to walk away from the Tests cricket if he was not selected in the team for the upcoming Ashes series. He also said he wanted to relax and enjoy playing domestic cricket.

“The hardest part as you get older is that you want to try and enjoy your cricket as well. You put all your attention into playing cricket for Australia and at some stage, that finishes,” he told Cricket Australia’s website.

Michael Neser, Sean Abbott, and Mark Steketee are the likely candidates to replace Pattinson in the team for the Ashes.