PATTINSON X-FACTOR FOR HEAT
CRICKET: Former Test fast bowler James Pattinson looms as Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League X-factor – as an allrounder.
Heat coach Dan Vettori says prized recruit Pattinson will be their strike bowler but tipped the speedster to also win games with the bat after emerging as a different player from a long lay-off from back surgery.
Pattinson, 28, only returned to first-class cricket for Victoria in November after a 15-month battle with back stress fractures.
Vettori said Pattinson had used that time out of the game to dramatically improve his batting and was close to becoming a “world-class all-rounder”.
“The reason we got him is we think he can be a game changer. He has really started to mature as an all-rounder,” Vettori said.
“I think when cricketers have so many injuries they look to develop other aspects and Patto was always a batsman but he has really come on with that.
“Let’s hope his bowling stays the way it was because that is a pretty special package but when you add the batting he can be one of those world class allrounders.”
Pattinson is fit again after overcoming the latest of a long line of stress fractures in his lower back after undergoing surgery last November in New Zealand.
Vettori confirmed Australian T20 batsman Chris Lynn would take over the Heat captaincy from Kiwi teammate Brendon McCullum ahead of next week’s BBL opener against Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba.
Vettori was hoping history would repeat with Lynn at the Heat helm.
The last time Lynn was captain in the 2015-16 BBL he won player of the tournament.
“It’s time for Chris to stamp his own mark,” Vettori said.