Ashes 2021-22: Patrick Cummins text not enough to convince James Pattinson to backflip on retirement call

Not even a text from the new Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins was enough for James Pattinson to bat so much as an eyelid when thinking about reversing his retirement call. Pattinson called time on his international career on November 4; multiple injuries finally taking their toll, with the seamer reporting he “could hardly pick up my kid when I got home”. Having played in a Test match for Australia as recently as the New Zealand series at the start of 2020, the Victorian would no doubt have been there or thereabouts in Ashes squad discussions. But the 31-year-old opted to make a decision his body will no doubt thank him for later, as he gears up for an important BBL11 campaign with the Melbourne Renegades. “I had a text from Patty (Cummins) asking if I had any second thoughts (about retiring from international cricket), but I’m just enjoying myself at the moment,” Pattinson told reporters on Thursday. “It’s the first time that I can sit back and prepare myself for a full season of Big Bash cricket and I’m excited about the team we’ve got this year.” The Renegades boast plenty of big names with experience at the highest level, including Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and skipper Nic Maddinson. However, the trio will not partake in the Renegades’ season opener against the Adelaide Strikers on December 7 for various reasons. It leaves the Renegades with Pattinson as one of the few senior figures available to lead out what will be a young team against the Strikers, although being that wiser head is something he’s relishing. “I like to lead and help the young kids,” Pattinson said. “We have a young, talented list that I’m excited to play with finally. “Hopefully I lead by example and can help the next generation of players come through.” As the Renegades hope to improve on two consecutive wooden spoons, Pattinson had a word of warning to opposition batsmen: the shackles are well and truly off. “For me to compete at domestic level at 80 per cent is a lot, while my GPS data is coming back at 75 per cent,” Pattinson said. “For Test cricket you have to be up at 100 per cent, that’s the big contrast. “Taking it back a little notch allows me to play more consistent cricket and play year-round as well. “I’m not trying to bowl 100 per cent with the way I’m pulling up. “With Big Bash being four overs (per bowler), you’ll see my intensity go up. “It excites me to let the shackles off.”