Big Bash League: James Pattinson parts ways with Melbourne Renegades

Australian pacer James Pattinson has pulled out of the final year of the Melbourne Renegades contract. The tall speedster had signed a three-year deal with the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise in 2020.

Both Melbourne Renegades and James Pattinson have come to a mutual agreement to part ways as the fast bowler had made it clear that he would not be able participate in the 12th edition of the Big Bash League later this year as he wants to devote time to his family and also take some time off to recover during Christmas after state and county commitments.

Pattinson announced his retirement from international cricket in October last year, having been one of their key Test bowlers for a decade.

I’ll need to take a break in December: James Pattinson

“Unfortunately I could only commit to part of the season given my state and overseas cricket commitments. I’ll need to take a break in December to give my body a rest and also want to spend that Christmas period with family. I’d like to thank the Renegades for my time there and wish them all the best for the season,” said Pattinson as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The Melbourne cricketer had played six matches in the 2021-22 season of BBL where he could only manage three scalps to his name before pulling out of the competition for managing injuries. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old is currently keeping himself engaged with domestic and county cricket being contracted with Victoria and Nottinghamshire.

Pattinson finished last season’s Sheffield Shield campaign with 15 wickets in the bag at 31.26 as Victoria finished as the finalists. As far as his international career is concerned, the Melbourne quick was never in Australia’s scheme of things in T20Is and was in and out of the ODI side having made just 15 appearances.

It was the longest format that he excelled at, having played 21 matches from 2011 to 2020 and taking 81 wickets at an average of 26.33. He also registered a fifer in the Chennai Test against India during the 2012-13 season as he accounted for key batters including the likes of Murali Vijay, Virender Sehwag, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni.