Born in Grimsby but raised in Australia, Pattinson was signed on the eve of the 2008 season as cover for Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom, both on Test duty. A right-armer capable of genuinely quick spells and capable of getting the ball to move away from right-handed batsmen, he proved an effective choice.
Few could have foreseen the rise to prominence that he would enjoy in the months that followed. After a string of outstanding performances for Nottinghamshire, Pattinson was drafted into the England team for the second Test against South Africa at Headingley following the withdrawal of Sidebottom.
He bowled well but his selection was roundly criticised because of his low profile in English cricket. A team-mate of former Notts overseas batsman David Hussey at Victoria, Pattinson, a former roof tiler, had spent two summers playing club cricket in England in 2006 and 2007 and attended net sessions at Trent Bridge. He caught the eye but an ankle injury prevented a deal being arranged until 2008.
Pattinson made his debut for Victoria in the 2006-07 season after consistent performances at grade level in Melbourne. He has played in five Pura Cup and 12 one-day games. His younger brother James pledged his allegiance to Australia, and has played in Test matches and ODIs, and also came to Trent Bridge where he was similarly effective.
March 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 595
See Darren Pattinson's career stats here