Pattinson remembers Headingley 2008
Darren Pattinson has told Paul Newman in the Daily Mail about his "surreal" England debut against South Africa at Headingley four years ago
Alan Gardner
25-Feb-2013
Darren Pattinson has told Paul Newman in the Daily Mail about his "surreal" England debut against South Africa at Headingley four years ago. The "Grimsby-born roof tiler" grew up in Australia and was a surprise pick for England, playing just one Test.
It was the selection that caused a sensation and ended up hastening the demise of Michael Vaughan as England captain. Now, four years after he was plucked from obscurity to appear on the biggest stage, Darren Pattinson can finally reflect on how he went from Melbourne club cricket to playing against South Africa at Headingley.
As England head to Leeds for their must-win date with South Africa this week it is inevitable that thoughts will turn to what remains the most controversial and derided pick that Geoff Miller’s England panel have made.
Alan Gardner is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo