Pattinson surprised by selection

4 July 2008

Darren Pattinson says he never imagined he would be selcted in an England squad

Nottinghamshire bowler Darren Pattinson says that he would relish the chance to play for England after being named in the provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Pattinson has been a revelation in his first season in county cricket and has been a consistent wicket-taker in the LV County Championship and Friends Provident Trophy.

“When I made the move, I didn’t even expect to become a regular fixture in the Notts side and the England squad was the furthest thing from my mind,” said Pattinson.

“I’m on holiday in Ireland and I had my phone switched off but I turned it on and there was a stream of text messages so I called Mick Newell and he confirmed that I’d been selected.

“I had a training session with England at Loughborough and the point that the coaches put across was that they would look at any player who was taking wickets regardless of whether they were bowling at 70 or 90 miles per hour.

“I’m trying to get the ball in the right areas and I’ve taken wickets for Notts but it was a huge surprise to learn that I’d made the provisional squad.”

Pattinson first netted with Nottinghamshire in 2006 before signing a two-year contract at the start of this season.

His mother is from Barnsley but he speaks with an Australian accent having emigrated aged six.

He took eight wickets in his first match for Nottinghamshire against Kent at Canterbury in the championship, including 5-22 in the first innings.

“I’m an English citizen and I’m not eligible to play for Australia,” he said.

“There are a lot of Notts players in the squad and Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann are well established and it’s up to me and Samit to force our way in there.”