Pattinson’s comeback put on hold
THE Melbourne Renegades have been forced to hold off on unleashing strike bowler James Pattinson for just a little while longer.
The 26-year-old (pictured) was due to lead the Renegades’ attack in their Big Bash League opener against the Sydney Thunder tonight, but has suffered a “mild” hamstring strain.
The right-armer played the last of his 17 Tests in New Zealand in February, claiming six wickets, before developing a bone stress injury in his left shin.
Then in May he suffered a relapse of stress fractures in his back.
“James has worked extremely hard over a long period of time to get his body right, so we’re treating this as a minor hold-up in his return to playing at the elite level with us,” Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.
“We’ll continue to monitor his improvement over the festive season and see how things are placed.
“We’d love to have him out there, but we want to take the right approach with James and have him ready and firing.”
Aaron Finch will captain a Renegades side that also includes Dwayne Bravo, Cameron White and new signings Sunil Narine, Marcus Harris and Brad Hogg, who will make their debuts in red.
The Thunder’s title defence got off to a horror start on Tuesday when the side lost by nine wickets to the Sydney Sixers.
But there were some encouraging signs, with Ryan Gibson (53) impressing with the bat.
“It’s a quick turnaround ... (but) I think we can get a win,” wicketkeeper Jake Doran said.