Pattinson’s last Test for Australia came against South Africa in March 2014
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
With left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Johnson having retired at the end of the second Test against New Zealand in Perth, Australia believe that James Pattinson could be the man to fill his shoes as he was drafted into the squad for the first-ever day-night Test in Adelaide.
Batsman Shaun Marsh has also been recalled as a replacement for Usman Khawaja, who was ruled out of the third Test after suffering a hamstring injury in Perth.
Spinner Steve O’Keefe was also included in the squad and could bowl in tandem with go-to spinner Nathan Lyon should Australia decide to field two spinners for the match.
“James has made a good return to Shield cricket following his injury and has earned this recall,” chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said. “He has worked incredibly hard and we are confident that he is ready to perform at Test level if selected.
“Shaun was unlucky to miss out on the squad for the first two Tests and since then has scored consistently in the Sheffield Shield so we believe he deserves this opportunity.
“We have opted to include an extra spinner in the squad for Adelaide as we are unsure what conditions we will see there. Stephen was included in our squad that was to go to Bangladesh and if he should get an opportunity we think he will make the most of it.”
Australia squad for third Test: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, Joe Burns, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Steve O’Keefe, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges