Pattinson hungry for more

22 July 2008

Darren Pattinson celebrates removing Hashim Amla, his first Test wicket for England

Darren Pattinson has set his sights on winning more England caps after sampling international cricket for the first time.

The 29-year-old, born in Grimsby but raised in Australia, was handed a shock debut in the second npower Test against South Africa after Ryan Sidebottom missed out with a back strain.

Pattinson took 2-95 from 30 overs in the first innings at Headingley Carnegie, trapping Hashim Amla leg before and having Ashwell Prince caught behind as South Africa amassed 522 en route to a 10-wicket win.

The seamer, who joined Nottinghamshire only this season after impressing in league cricket, revealed his nerves after winning a call-up.

“It was a bit tough walking into the dressing room for the first time but the guys welcomed me with open arms,” Pattinson said.

“It’s been a big week for me and obviously I was nervous at first, but I relaxed as it wore on and in the end it turned out okay.

“The first wicket was a bit lucky because the replays showed that it might have just missed the stumps but I got the ball to move a bit and had Prince caught behind.”

Pattinson, who has signed a two-year deal at Trent Bridge on the back of his impressive form this summer, insists there is much more to come as he continues to adjust to his first season in England.

“It’s happened a few times in my career when I’ve been picked out of nowhere and at the moment I feel that anything is possible,” he added.

“I’ve got things that I need to learn about the game and I know that my next chance might not come straight away, but I’d like to think that I can be involved again further down the track.”

Pattinson also claims the issue of his Australian upbringing had no bearing on his decision to play for the country of his birth.

“I’ve only got an English passport,” he said. “I’m a resident in Australia when I’m there so there was never a decision to make between playing for England or Australia.”