Saker: Don’t pick Pattinson until Christmas

Australia

Former England bowling coach David Saker has urged the Australia selectors not to select fast bowler James Pattinson for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand in November.

Pattinson has not played for the Aussies in the longest format of the game since March last year and has suffered a slew of back injuries and changed his bowling action before the start of this season.

Even though Pattinson has started the domestic season with eight wickets in his first two List A games, Saker, who is Pattinson's coach at Victoria, feels the 25 year-old would be better served playing domestic cricket until at least December.

Saker said: "I don't think they [national selectors] should make him available for selection until Christmas. They are better off just letting him find his way. He has changed his action, he is still scrapping the edge of that.

"He still has a bit of time. I know he has bowled very well in the two games but I wouldn't be rushing him into a Test team. Plus, whose spot would he take? Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle would be the frontline quicks.

"You would think they would get the first crack at it. He would have to wait for one of them to break down or lose form. They would be mad to put him in early and should allow him to play some state cricket.

"If he can get through two or three shield games, two things will happen – he will be confident in his body, plus his action will be a bit more grooved and he probably will be ready by then."

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