Notts land paceman Pattinson

Fast bowler Darren Pattinson has joined Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire have signed Victoria fast bowler Darren Pattinson as cover for England duo Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad.

Pattinson, 29, was brought up in Australia but holds a British passport as he was born in Grimsby.

He has been clocked at around 90mph, and could find himself opening the bowling with Charlie Shreck, as Sidebottom and Broad are expected to spend much of the summer on international duty.

Pattinson came late to top-level cricket, only making his Pura Cup debut against South Australia in January 2007 aged 28, when Victoria suffered injuries to their frontline bowlers.

He took 4-87, his best first-class haul to date, in the first innings.

Pattinson has experience of English conditions, having had spells in club cricket for the last two summers.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “We have had an eye on Darren for a couple of years, ever since he came along for a net with us two years ago.

“Like Charlie Shreck, he’s come into the first-class game late and that should mean he’s got plenty of miles left on the clock.

“He bowls with good pace and gets the ball to swing. We’re keen to see how he gets on with more regular cricket and believe he will be a very useful performer in all competitions.”

Pattinson is a team-mate of Notts batsman David Hussey at Victoria.

His 17-year-old brother, James, was selected for the Australia squad at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.