Lynn returns to Northamptonshire, Pattinson released by Nottinghamshire

Chris Lynn will return to Northamptonshire in 2023 for the T20 Blast but James Pattinson has been released from the rest of his Nottinghamshire contract.

Pattinson, the 32-year-old seamer who retired from international cricket last year, signed a year-long deal with Notts for 2022 but said he needed to give his body a break and spend time with his young family. He has taken 33 wickets at 29.21 in the County Championship this season, helping Notts open up a 30-point lead at the top of the Division Two table heading into the final month of the campaign.

"After having another child recently, I'm keen to be there and provide support and I think the best place to do that is back in Australia," Pattinson said. "Also, my body has really struggled with getting through the county season, so I just really need to give it a break. I wish Notts all the very best for the rest of the season and really hope we can take out the second division title."

Lynn, meanwhile, will return to Wantage Road next summer after making a major impression in the Blast this season, hitting two centuries while racking up 516 runs in his ten innings for Northants.

"I feel like I've got unfinished business at Northamptonshire," Lynn said. "The goal for this year is to make Finals Day, no doubt."

He is scheduled to be available for the duration of the Blast and will form part of a powerful batting line-up featuring Josh Cobb, who recently signed a contract extension with the club, and the returning David Willey.

"To have him back with what he brings both on and off the field is a real coup for the club." Cobb said. "I'm sure he wouldn't have been short of interest from other clubs, so it's a real sign of what he thinks of the group and the club as a whole that he wants to come back and get us that one step further."