Pattinson “could hardly breathe” after sustaining the injury
Just when it seemed Australia’s injuries list couldn’t get any worse, pace bowler James Pattinson was ruled out for the rest of the Test summer after sustaining a highly unusual side and rib injury during the second Test against South Africa at Adelaide.
Pattinson’s injury seemed to be so severe that veteran batsman Ricky Ponting pointed out the 22-year-old pace bowler “could hardly breathe”.
Pattinson will miss the second consecutive Test summer for Australia after he suffered a foot injury in January when hosting India at home.
The 22-year-old seemed to be in a lot of discomfort after bowling his first over with the second new ball, but tried to shake it off by having another go, however, it was to no avail as he left the field immediately after bowling the first delivery of his second over.
The fast bowler has already missed the rest of the South Africa series and is also set to be out of action for the series against Sri Lanka as well.
“He was in a fair bit of pain,” Ponting told Channel Nine. “I spoke to him after the first over he bowled and he could hardly breathe, so he is in a fair bit of trouble.”
Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris revealed that Pattinson’s injury was much worse than a common side strain or tear, which is not good news for the national team as it means that the young bowler’s recovery period may be extended till the middle of next year.
“James Pattinson sustained a left lower rib injury, similar to a ‘side strain’ on day three of the Test which will effectively rule him out of contention for the remaining Tests this summer,” Kountouris said. “Whilst side strains are not uncommon in bowlers, James’ injury involves some damage to the end of the rib and will need further investigation at the completion of this Test to determine the best course of management and the time frame to return to bowling.”
Pattinson’s bowling partner Peter Siddle could not see any reason why the 22-year-old broke down and in the end, he ruled it as a freak injury.
“All the plan was for red ball cricket and get ready for the Tests,” Siddle said. “I think it’s just part of cricket, there’s a lot of talk about too much work or not enough work but I think his plan was perfect. It was no different to mine, he bowled a few more overs than me in the Shield games, but he was all primed.
“He was bowling well, his figures showed that in the Shield games, he was in exceptional forms. It’s just one of those things, Test cricket, he bowled a lot of overs up in Brisbane and he’s worked hard, and it’s just hard work, it is tough to get through and get the body right and challenge yourself to push through. He’s broken down but we all know he’s a strong character and a tough competitor.
“There’s been a lot of injuries around but he pushes through and get through. He’s just disappointed he can’t get out there now and help back us up and have a crack. It is a disappointing time for him, but he’s upbeat, he just knows he’s got to keep working towards getting that body right, getting back in the team and performing well. He’ll come back strong.”
Siddle also mentioned that Pattinson’s injury is a prime example of just how challenging Test cricket can be.
“It’s a part of Test cricket, that’s the reason we play it, and we like that challenge,” Siddle added. “If we didn’t like that challenge we wouldn’t be playing, so that’s the start of it, you just pick the ball and charge in and do what we do best – bowling overs. We’ll keep doing that for the captain and the rest of the boys.”