Australian paceman James Pattinson is set for a third stint with Nottinghamshire after signing an all-format deal covering the 2022 season.

Pattinson, who is a British passport holder but has been registered as an overseas player, previously spent parts of the 2017 and 2019 seasons with the county, taking 40 First-Class wickets at 15.52.

The right-arm fast bowler announced his retirement from international cricket in October 2021, having played 21 Tests and 19 white-ball internationals for his country. His 81 Test wickets at 26.33 apiece included five in a thrilling Ashes encounter at Trent Bridge in 2013.

His elder brother Darren won the County Championship title with Notts in 2010.

“Trent Bridge felt like home from the moment I first stepped through the gates,” said Pattinson.

“To arrive here and be met by a group of guys that made me so welcome from minute dot was pretty special, and I’m looking forward to getting back amongst them again.

“The family link with Darren having done what he did in Nottingham a few years back, and with Dad having played football at junior level for Forest, made it feel like an authentic fit for me right from the off. I knew straight away that I’d found a county I could be really passionate about representing.

“The bowling group did some special things last season. Hopefully I can add something to that and help the club enjoy some success in the coming years.

“Once I get that badge back on my chest and the ball in my hand, there’ll be no backward steps taken for sure. It’ll be a case of ripping into the season and giving it everything to win matches for the club.”

Pattinson first joined the Green and Golds at the start of their success-laden 2017 season, taking 32 wickets at 12.06 with the red ball.

On his debut against Leicestershire at Grace Road, he scored a career-best 89 not out, adding 122 for the eighth wicket with Stuart Broad, as well as claiming match figures of 8-84. 

He played in ten matches as Notts lifted the Royal London Cup, taking 13 wickets in the tournament and hitting the winning runs against Surrey at Lord’s.

Pattinson featured three times in First-Class cricket during his return in 2019, prising eight wickets, as well as claiming 11 dismissals with the white ball as the Outlaws progressed to the semi-final of the 50-over competition as group winners. 

"Once I get that badge back on my chest and the ball in my hand, there’ll be no backward steps taken for sure."

James Pattinson

“We first recruited James in 2017 because we believed he possessed the two qualities you always look for in an overseas signing: tremendous pedigree and the desire to commit fully to life at the club,” said Head Coach Peter Moores.

“In both respects, he proved to be everything we wanted and more, both with his performances on the field and the mark he left on us all as a character and a competitor, so we’re all really looking forward to welcoming him back over here.

“Our bowling attack did great things in 2021, and the way to build on that is by going again and trying to get even better.

“Jimmy will add a new dimension with his pace, hostility and experience. He’s someone our young players can benefit from spending time with and he adds more depth and quality to our bowling group, which we know is really important.”

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Nottinghamshire membership for the 2022 season is on sale now, with those who join our club bestowed access to all scheduled home domestic cricket alongside a plethora of additional perks.