Vic teammate respects Pattinson’s retirement call

AUSTRALIAN white-ball captain Aaron Finch understands and respects James Pattinson’s decision to retire from international cricket.

The 31-year-old paceman called time after an international career ravaged by injury, including a back problem which required fusion surgery in 2017.

Pattinson was restricted to 21 Tests for Australia, taking 81 wickets at an average of 26.33, including four five-wicket hauls.

Finch says Pattinson’s retirement call took “a lot of courage” ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

“He’s great to watch. We’ve seen the best of him at times, but not for as long as what we would have hoped,” he told Sportsday.

“He’s been a brilliant bowler for Victoria and when he’s played for Australia, he’s been outstanding. But for a guy who’s had his back fused together, I think he’s had seven stress fractures. It takes its toll not just physically, but mentally.

“It feels like he’s always coming back from an injury, he gets close and then he breaks down. I can totally understand and respect him for being able to make that decision as well.

“Sometimes as players, you’re trying to hang on for as long as you can, but to have the courage to say, ‘You know what? My heart’s not in this to keep backing up and keep going through rehab’, and for it all to just break down again, it can be brutal.

“I think it’s taken a lot of courage for him to make that decision. But as a cricket lover, I would’ve loved to have seen him play more for Australia.”

Pattinson will continue playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield and has claimed three wickets in the ongoing match against New South Wales at the MCG.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN