'unknown' Hoping He Will Make A Quick Impression

The Age

Wednesday November 29, 2006

LYALL JOHNSON

A REAL fairytale end to Darren Pattinson's Cinderella story would be that he takes five wickets in today's Ford Ranger Cup match and hits the winning runs for Victoria on debut.

But, in the meantime, simply walking onto the MCG in his Bushrangers uniform is a dream come true for the 27-year-old paceman from Berwick, who admitted yesterday that the only time he had walked on the hallowed turf, much less played on it, was on a tour of the ground with a visiting relative.

"No, no, never (played on the MCG) ... I've been on an MCG tour with an uncle from Ireland, that's about it," Pattinson said yesterday after being drafted from relative obscurity into the squad to play Queensland in today's day-night fixture.

Pattinson is an almost certain starter with injuries to pacemen Gerard Denton (shin splints) and Shane Harwood (buttock strain) leaving Victoria's cupboard entirely bereft of front-line fast bowlers. Mick Lewis is still recovering from a slight tear to muscles in his lower back and buttock, and four other contracted Bushrangers are recovering from injury.

"It was a bit of a surprise, really, getting in," Pattinson said. "I didn't know anything about it, I haven't been training with the squad or anything. Obviously there's been a few injuries and now I've got my chance, so looking forward to it.

"I got a phone call from my dad at work (as a roof tiler) and he said I was in and I thought he was pulling my leg, so I had to call John (MacWhirter), the chairman of selectors and he told me. Pretty surprising really."

While primarily a bowler - he has taken 20 wickets at 14.55 for Dandenong this season, seven of those coming in one match last weekend - Pattinson is a handy batsman.

Notwithstanding his form with the ball, Pattinson also got his name in front of the selectors through his association with Bushrangers' skipper Cameron White, who he played alongside at Dandenong some years ago, before White transferred to Richmond.

"I did (recommend him)," White said yesterday. "I'd seen Darren play and played with him before and liked the way he went about his cricket, so I told the selectors to keep him in mind (with) the cupboard being a bit bare with the bowling stocks. It's unfortunate for the guys who are injured, but it's great news for Darren that he gets a game.

"I think he'll be pretty nervous ... I think anyone would be. He'll probably open the bowling so it is a good opportunity for him."

With White now also fill-in skipper at Somerset over the English County season and having represented Australia in one-day internationals, Pattinson admits that White has left him in his wake.

"We started our careers at the same sort of time, obviously his has taken off a bit quicker than mine has, but hopefully I can do well for the team and get another game," Pattinson said.

"Three years ago I thought maybe I've got a chance but I'm 27 and I thought it's probably past me. But I'm bowling probably the best I ever have done, so it's good."

Queensland will be without left-arm strike bowler Mitchell Johnson, who has again been selected in the Australian Ashes squad and flew to Adelaide yesterday to join the national team.

SQUADS

MCG today from 2.15pm.

TV: Fox Sports 2, 2pm

VICTORIA

Cameron White (c), Aiden Blizzard, Adam Crosthwaite, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Michael Klinger, Grant Lindsay, Darren Pattinson, Andrew McDonald, Clint McKay, Jon Moss, Rob Quiney.

QUEENSLAND

Jimmy Maher (c), James Hopes, Clinton Perren, Andrew Symonds, Craig Philipson, Lachlan Stevens, Chris Simpson, Chris Hartley, Andy Bichel, Ashley Noffke, Scott Brant, Michael Buchanan.

© 2006 The Age

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