James Pattinson has declared his brilliant 4-24 for the Melbourne Renegades the perfect build-up to his international return.
Recalled to Australia’s one-day squad this week, Pattinson responded by ripping through the Hobart Hurricanes’ top order in the Renegades’ 51-run Big Bash League win.
The 23-year-old was on a hat-trick when he removed former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik (1 from 5) and Englishman Owais Shah (0 from 1), both caught behind the wicket, with superb deliveries in the third over.
He then helped mop up the tail, clocking more than 140km/h during his four overs as he looks to add to his 12 Tests on Australia’s tour to South Africa next month.
“The Big Bash and then hopefully some one-day cricket is a fantastic way to come back,” he said.
“I haven’t played a lot of Twenty20 cricket in the past year, and even one-day cricket, so it’s good to get out here playing with a new side.
“Four overs is pretty easy on the body and you can let a few rip.”
Pattinson put a mixed BBL return against the Brisbane Heat two days ago behind him, declaring his pace was back after months of rehabilitation.
“When I’m bowling with a little bit of extra pace it always helps, even if it’s five kays, bowling mid-140s,” he said.
“It’s a big thing for me.
“I know if I’m bowling good pace I have good rhythm and my action feels good.”
But the Victorian is not getting ahead of himself as Australia eye a crack at world No.1 Proteas.
“Obviously that’s where I want to get back to, playing Test cricket,” Pattinson said.
His early spell at Bellerive left the Hurricanes 3-10 in reply to the Renegades’ 8-162 before the home side were all out for 111.
Only miserly paceman Ben Laughlin (3-16 from 4) restricted the visitors after skipper Aaron Finch (50 from 31) had them off to another flyer.
Hurricanes coach Damien Wright said his other bowlers needed to be better.
“It’s not difficult,” Wright said.
“We’ve got two Test bowlers in there who are supposed to do that for us.”