Pattinson pens new Notts deal

5 January 2009

Darren Pattinson's first season in county cricket yielded 47 wickets at 24

Darren Pattinson has pledged his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a two-year contract extension.

The Australian-born seamer, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of next summer, has been rewarded for an impressive first season in county cricket with a new deal keeping him at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2011 campaign.

Pattinson, 29, took 47 LV County Championship wickets at 24.65 in 2008, his early-season form earning him a call-up to the England side for the second Test against South Africa at Headingley Carnegie.

He follows in the footsteps of Mark Wagh and Samit Patel, both of whom have signed contract extensions in the off-season.

“It goes without saying that we want to retain a core of players on long-term contracts and Darren is deserving of a new deal after his performances last season,” said Notts director of cricket Mick Newell.

“We have a very strong bowling attack and Darren will be fitter and stronger in 2009 and able to make another significant contribution to the club.

“He hasn’t played much cricket in Australia during our winter which is good for us because he will report back fresh and ready to pick up where he left off.”