Pattinson secures county contract

Australia pace bowler James Pattinson has joined Nottinghamshire as the English county's overseas replacement for compatriot Peter Siddle.

Siddle is unable to fulfil his scheduled spell at Trent Bridge due to a back injury, but Nottinghamshire have moved quickly to secure the services of Pattinson.

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Pattinson, Siddle teammate and international, state and club level, has taken 70 wickets at an average of 26.15 in 17 Tests for Australia.

The right-armer himself has hd a rough spell with injury, but has appeared back to his best since making his return to Sheffield Shield cricket this summer.

His English-born older brother Darren won the County Championship with Nottinghamshire and played a single Test for England in 2008.

Pattinson will play first-class and 50-over cricket for Nottinghamshire until the end of June.

"As soon as James became available as a replacement, we knew he was a great option," Notts head coach Peter Moores said.

"He's got real pace and he's very aggressive, which is the way we want to play our cricket.

"Pace creates opportunities, so he gives us a wicket-taking option in both Championship and 50-over matches. We've seen that from him when he's played international cricket.

"That ability to open up sides on flat pitches is what we're really looking at. That's the kind of thing that wins you games."