`Stoic` Pattinson confident of making return in time for winter Ashes despite injury

Sydney: Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has said that he is confident of making a return to the squad in time for the winter Ashes despite his latest injury setback.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Pattinson`s Ashes campaign ended painfully in the dying stages of Australia`s humiliating capitulation at Lord`s last week by a feeling of soreness in his hip and back, which was diagnosed as the first stages of a stress fracture. However, Pattinson hoped that this injury would be his last setback, and said that he is confident of being back in the squad in the middle of October and in the Sheffield Shield, adding that he hoped to have time to push his case for the first winter Test. According to the report, the fracture was a shattering blow for Pattinson on a number of fronts given that he had announced before the Ashes that he was `in peak physical condition` and `ready to rumble, as he had handled the injury, along with a side strain and a bone injury in his foot, bravely before. Stating that he is disappointed by the fact that he still fell a victim to the problem even after looking after his body and health properly, Pattinson also said that he must now recover, rehabilitate and rebuild, adding that he has sought inspiration from others who were also broken by fast bowling but slogged through the challenge to return and torment their natural-born enemies - batsmen. Pattinson also said that he was told that although a player is vulnerable to such injuries and setbacks before the age of 25, he could play consistent cricket as the problem vanishes once he crosses the age, adding that he hopes to get well soon as playing for Australia is a great privilege for any of the country`s players. Cricket Australia offered Pattinson a two-week holiday before he returned home to the realities of being a fast bowler on the mend although he opted to travel to Hove for the team`s tour match against Sussex and then to Manchester for the third Test as proof of his commitment to his teammates, the report added. ANI