Darren Pattinson has been named in England’s 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in September. 07716
By Stuart Teather
THE English have done it again.
Unable to field a cricket team of locals, the Brits have turned to Australia’s Darren Pattinson to fill a gaping hole in their national side’s bowling line-up.
A long-term strike bowler for Victorian Premier Cricket side Dandenong, Pattinson’s surprise inclusion in England’s 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy continues a remarkable climb in the ranks for the former roof tiler.
Two years ago, Pattinson, from Narre Warren South, was playing for Dandenong and it appeared higher level cricket had passed him by.
But a surprise call-up from the Bushrangers saw the Narre Warren South resident grab his chance at first class cricket, and with some impressive bowling he secured his place in the side.
Playing his first season of county cricket for Nottinghamshire this year, Pattinson impressed English selectors enough to get the call for international duties.
But how can an Australian play for another national team?
Pattinson, it so happens, was born in England, but migrated to Australia’s fair shores at age six.
His father, John, said there was definitely a conflict of loyalties.
“He’s Australian, Darren. He is,” John said. “It’s a chance to play international cricket. In all honesty he just wanted a chance to play.”
John said he spoke to his son on the weekend, and said his son was still shocked from the news.
“I think it has all become a bit much for him, he’s a bit overwhelmed,” he said.
“He was a bit shocked. He’d only turned his phone on at midnight and he had a heap of messages.”
For John, a lifetime England supporter, it was a dream come true.
“I was over the moon – it was unbelievable, actually,” he said.
“I went to the MCG for his first game with the Bushrangers, and I got invited to the luncheon and I thought there couldn’t be anything better … sitting there, watching my son play cricket.”
How times have changed.
Darren’s brother, James, is also on the Bushrangers’ list, and many believe he has the potential to one day represent his country.
John said the prospect of his sons facing off on cricket’s ultimate stage – the Ashes – would be the only thing that could stop him supporting England.
“The thought does cross your mind,” he said. “I think I’d have to support my sons.”
The move is not without controversy, however, as the revelation that Pattinson carries an English passport means he should be representing Victoria as an international player.
Rules allow each state side to have one international player, and Bushrangers head coach Greg Shipperd said it would not affect Pattinson’s place in the side.
“I think now going forward he will need to be considered as an international player,” Shipperd said.
“The rules indicate that that would be the case.”
Shipperd said having players such as Pattinson playing county cricket during the Australian off-season could be a double-edged sword.
“In the sense that he can attract attention to himself yes (it’s positive), but in terms of injury maintenance … It’s a real concern for us at Victoria cricket,” he said.
As for Pattinson, he faces a nervous month as he waits to hear who makes the final team for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be announced on 11 August.
