England's surprise debutant

Pattinson won't turn his back on England

Cricinfo staff

July 30, 2008

	Darren Pattinson: 'The media interest that has surrounded my selection was new to us and something that, naively, I didn't expect' © Getty Images

Pattinson, who was dropped after his debut appearance at Headingley last week, appeared to suggest that he was ready to turn his back on England with his family wanting to move back to Melbourne. "A big part of it is me wanting to be in Australia for six months and playing for [Victoria]," he said. "I've got a meeting with the chairman of selectors in a few days to discuss a few things. But my family want to live in Melbourne, so that's a big part of it."

However, he now says that he is determined to ensure he doesn't join the one-cap wonder club after taking two wickets against South Africa. "It's worked out well for me at Nottinghamshire and when I signed my only target was to prove that I could cut it at county level," he said. "Things have moved on a lot quicker than I expected and I've set myself new goals which include earning further recognition for England."

Pattinson added that the last few weeks have been a tough time for his family. He hadn't expected the type of attention he has received since surprisingly being handed his debut. "I've got a young family who have travelled halfway around the world with me and they have found the last month really difficult," he said. "The media interest that has surrounded my selection was new to us and something that, naively, I didn't expect.

"I now need to focus on things that I can control and it's been shown that if I perform well for Nottinghamshire and conditions are favourable then I can force my way into the selectors' thoughts. It all starts with club form and I will be doing everything that I can to produce good performances for Nottinghamshire and Victoria."

Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, said that while Pattinson's plans are currently to return and play for Victoria, as an overseas player, in October that those could change if he is handed further England honours. He has been named in the 30-man Champions Trophy squad, while there will also be a Lions tour in the winter.

"The ECB have always been aware that Darren has a contract with Victoria and he'll play for them as an overseas player this winter," Newell said. "At this moment in time, his only winter commitments are with Victoria but if he is selected to play for England then obviously that will change.

"Darren is certainly not ruling himself out of possible selection for England and we are already looking to extend his contract at Nottinghamshire. He has a long-term future in this country and he can combine that with his winter commitments in Australia."

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