Ashes 2019 | James Pattinson didn't know if he'd play cricket ever again, reveals Peter Siddle

08/03/2019

Peter Siddle has revealed that James Pattinson, who is coming back to the national side after a three-year hiatus, at one point wasn't sure if he'd ever play cricket again. Pattinson, who made his Test debut in 2011, has only played 18 Tests, due to being constantly pegged back by injuries.

Australian pacer Peter Siddle has revealed that tearaway quick James Pattinson at one point in his career didn't know if he'd step on to the cricket field ever again, after suffering frequent injury setbacks ever since making his Test debut in 2011. Siddle, a fellow Victorian teammate of Pattinson, has also revealed the 29-year-old speedster hitting "rock bottom" post his injury in New Zealand in 2016, which subsequently ruled him out of international cricket for three years.

"I've been there from when he hurt his back the last time, in New Zealand. He talks about being at rock bottom, people wouldn't have seen that," Siddle told Channel Nine, reported cricket.com.au.

"I remember being in the physio room with him then for a whole session. He was upset, close to tears. He didn't know if he'd play cricket again, let alone for Australia," he added.

Pattinson and Siddle accounted for three of the four English wickets that fell on Day 2 and coincidentally, the duo have plenty of experience bowling in English conditions, having played for Nottinghamshire and Essex respectively. Being a Dukes ball specialist himself, Siddle explained that the key to success in English conditions is to bowl in the right areas and stay patient, concentrating on doing the basics right.

"It's about patience (and) bowling in the right areas," he added. "I know that sounds pretty basic and simple, but sometimes that's what you have to do over here," the Victorian said.

"The ball will do enough for you, so as long as you get it in the right areas, you know you can get the wickets," he added.