Ayres reveals plan for Pattinson’s premier cricket return season

Former Australian test fast bowler James Pattinson is set to use the willow more than the leather in his return to Victorian Premier Cricket.

Former Australian fast bowler James Pattinson is set to play a key role is Dandenong’s attempts of re-emerging as a premiership contender this Victorian Premier Cricket season.

Panthers coach Warren Ayres confirmed on Monday the 32-year-old will play in their opening game of the season this Saturday against Frankston Peninsula.

Pattinson recently announced the mutual termination of his contract with Victoria as he looks to take care of his body and spend more time with his family following a season with England county club, Nottinghamshire.

Ayres revealed Pattinson, their newly appointed captain, would play “a fair bit” this season in a renewed role for the club.

“James will be playing, not every game but he will be playing some games,” Ayres said.

“I know the schedule that he will be running so he will be playing a fair bit.

“But he needs time with his family and he needs time for his body too so he won’t be playing every game but he will play for a significant amount of the season.”

James Pattinson in action for Dandenong during a game in season 2015-16 against Casey-South Melbourne. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Ayres, who is holds the record for the most runs scored in Victorian Premier Cricket history, said Pattinson’s role would be defined as a batting all-rounder.

“Their will be games where he steps it up (with the bowling) and games where he takes it easy so that will be dependant upon him in some ways,” he said.

Pattinson scored an unbeaten test match 47 against England for his highest score in his 40-game international career.

The 32-year-old notched two first-grade centuries for the Panthers in season 2016-17 and made 81 in round 16 last campaign.

The Panthers are hopeful the addition of Pattinson and a few other recruits will help the club push for a premiership after finishing in 14th position last season.

Ayres ensured the Panthers had the bowlers to cover for Pattinson when he was not bowling.

The club picked up fast bowler Jade Christensen from Kingston Hawthorn, left-arm orthodox spinner Akchat Buch and all-rounder Ben Allison in the off-season.

Ayres said Pattinson had a passion for the club and wanted to see another Panthers player fly up the ranks.

“He is a bloody good player, he loves Dandenong,” he said.

“He wants to make sure that Dandenong move forward and produce the next professional cricketer in whatever model that’s going to be.

“He hopes to see the club maintain its standards over the last 20 years.

“He doesn’t want to see it go backwards, he wants to give back to those people at Dandenong.”

Pattinson has only missed two seasons with the Panthers since 2003-04.