Teenage sensation James Pattinson made his first-class debut for the Victorian Bushrangers in Western Australia last week. 24439 Picture: Luke Plummer.By Marc McGowan
JAMES Pattinson says it was a privilege to play alongside Victorian stars Cameron White and David Hussey in his senior Bushrangers’ debut in Western Australia last week.
But the 18-year-old quick can expect to get used to such esteemed company after an accomplished debut that included a three-wicket first-innings haul.
Pattinson, who grew up in Endeavour Hills, continues to prove why good judges, including his Dandenong Panthers coach Warren Ayres, regard him as a future Australian Test player.
The Pattinson name has barely been out of the headlines this year, with older brother Darren, who is also a fast bowler, making his Test debut for England in August.
Bushrangers selectors named Pattinson junior in a 14-man Victorian squad last Tuesday and coach Greg Shipperd let the teenager know just an hour-and-a-half before last Friday’s start that he had made the final XI.
The opportunity arose when fellow pacemen Clinton McKay (hamstring) and Darren Pattinson (groin) – who was not in the squad – were ruled out.
“Shippy just said ‘good luck, stay calm and just do what you’ve done to get to this level’,” Pattinson said.
“It was unbelievable. I think I was standing in the huddle after my first or second wicket and I stopped and looked around and it sunk in that I was out there playing.
“It was a bit of a shock – I didn’t know how to take it at first – and I’m still thinking about it now.”
The pressure on Pattinson to perform intensified when umpire Andrew Craig banished Victorian opening bowler Dirk Nannes in just the second over.
Nannes delivered two consecutive head-high full-tosses on his second and third balls of the day and under first-class cricket laws was unable to return until the second innings of the contest.
But Pattinson has continually risen to the challenge during his career – whether it be for Dandenong, a variety of Victorian youth sides or the Australian under-19 team.
And he produced again, claiming 3/43 to be the Bushrangers’ leading bowler in the first innings, alongside Casey-South Melbourne star Damien Wright (3/51).
“Obviously it meant some more overs had to be bowled by others and it made me a bit more nervous,” Pattinson said.
“The other bowlers helped me a lot as well by talking to me and hitting their lines and they gave me a good platform.”
Pattinson, who also faced a hat-trick ball in the first innings, knows he is unlikely to retain his place in the state side when the other bowlers return from injury, but was thrilled to be given a chance.
“I’ll have plenty more opportunities in the future and it was good to get a taste of it,” he said.
“You have to be switched on 100 per cent on every ball and every minute of the game.
“All of your bad balls go for four and you can’t give any room or width to the batsmen – it’s a massive step-up.”
Pattinson will lead Victoria into battle at next month’s Cricket Australia national under-19 championships in Newcastle.
He will captain his state for a second time after first earning the honour at under-17 level.
“It’s a great privilege to captain any Victorian side and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Pattinson said.
“Last year we won under the captaincy of Michael Hill and I’m hoping to follow in his footsteps and win another title for Victoria.”
