James Pattinson returns to Nottinghamshire for 2022 season

James Pattinson, the Australia fast bowler who retired from international cricket on the eve of the Ashes, is set for a third stint with Nottinghamshire after signing an all-format deal covering the 2022 season.

Pattinson is a British passport holder but has been registered as an overseas player, having previously spent parts of the 2017 and 2019 seasons with the county, taking 40 first-class wickets at 15.52.

He announced the end of his international career in October 2021, having played 21 Tests and 19 white-ball internationals since his debut as a 21-year-old in 2011. His 81 Test wickets at 26.33 apiece included a best of 5 for 27 in Australia's thrilling 14-run defeat at Trent Bridge in 2013.

Pattinson's elder brother Darren, who made a one-off Test appearance for England in 2008, won the County Championship title with Nottinghamshire in 2010.

"Trent Bridge felt like home from the moment I first stepped through the gates," said Pattinson. "To arrive here and be met by a group of guys that made me so welcome from minute dot was pretty special, and I'm looking forward to getting back amongst them again.

"The family link with Darren having done what he did in Nottingham a few years back, and with Dad having played football at junior level for Forest, made it feel like an authentic fit for me right from the off. I knew straight away that I'd found a county I could be really passionate about representing.

"The bowling group did some special things last season. Hopefully I can add something to that and help the club enjoy some success in the coming years.

"Once I get that badge back on my chest and the ball in my hand, there'll be no backward steps taken for sure. It'll be a case of ripping into the season and giving it everything to win matches for the club."

Pattinson claimed 32 wickets at 12.06 in his first Championship stint at Trent Bridge in 2017, and made an immediate impact on debut, scoring a career-best 89 not out, adding 122 for the eighth wicket with Stuart Broad, as well as claiming match figures of 8 for 84.

He played in ten matches as Notts lifted the Royal London Cup, taking 13 wickets in the tournament and hitting the winning runs against Surrey at Lord's, then returned for a brief stint in 2019.

"We first recruited James in 2017 because we believed he possessed the two qualities you always look for in an overseas signing: tremendous pedigree and the desire to commit fully to life at the club," Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire's head coach, said.

"In both respects, he proved to be everything we wanted and more, both with his performances on the field and the mark he left on us all as a character and a competitor, so we're all really looking forward to welcoming him back over here.

"Our bowling attack did great things in 2021, and the way to build on that is by going again and trying to get even better.

"Jimmy will add a new dimension with his pace, hostility and experience. He's someone our young players can benefit from spending time with and he adds more depth and quality to our bowling group, which we know is really important."