James Pattinson announces extended break from cricket

James Pattinson in action [PC: Twitter]

Former Australian paceman James Pattinson has announced taking an extended break from cricket, which will see him not play for Victoria anymore, thus ending his association a year earlier than his contract.

Pattinson in his statement stated that he wanted to spend time with his family and provide rest to his body, which in the past has been marred with career-threatening injuries.

The 32-year-old made his First-Class debut for Victoria in 2008 and has picked 350 wickets in 89 matches. He has also played 68 List-A and 57 T20 games claiming 100 and 63 wickets, respectively. Pattinson won as many as three Sheffield Shield trophies for Victoria in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Here's what Pattinson stated

 "This decision has been a really difficult one for me given my how much I love playing for Victoria and have given it my all for the last 14 years. After the birth of our second child and my now well-documented injuries in recent years, it's the right time to take a break from the game. I owe it to my team-mates and myself and at the moment it's clear I need the rest. It will also allow me to spend more time at home with our daughters."

The Melbourne-born retired from international cricket in 2020, having played 21 Tests, 15 ODIs and 4 T20Is for Australia. He also terminated his Big Bash League (BBL) contract with Melbourne Renegades in July.

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