Pattinson to bring the heat

JAMES Pattinson will steam into the Etihad Stadium pitch at tonight’s Big Bash League derby in the pace ace’s first step towards adding another strike weapon to Australia’s attack.

The international star has warmed up with five net sessions at full pace and yesterday declared himself ready to target the Stars’ world-class top order in front of a likely sellout crowd.

Tonight will mark Pattinson’s first game outside club cricket in nearly 12 months.

Pattinson, 26, missed the first three games with a hamstring strain, but hit full speed in the MCG nets on Wednesday. “I’m ready to go now,” Pattinson said yesterday.

“I’m feeling really good and hopefully I can get out there and once the adrenaline kicks in play some good cricket.”

The right-arm quick will use the remaining five BBL games to fast-track his return for Australia.

Pattinson made headlines with the bat in November – blasting 137 (62) for Premier Cricket club Dandenong.

Excluding club cricket, Pattinson has not played since claiming six wickets in last year’s Test victory against New Zealand in Christchurch.

“I was hoping to play the first Big Bash game, but had a minor (hamstring) hiccup,” Pattinson said. “Hopefully I don’t fall over in the bathroom tonight or something like that and I’ll be playing.”

Pattinson said he would be targeting the prized wicket of Stars opener Glenn Maxwell as the Gades hunt back-toback wins against their crosstown rival.