James Pattinson retires from international cricket

James Pattinson, the Australian fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the Ashes that begins in December. The 31-year-old Victorian pacer made the decision to step away from international cricket to focus on family, playing for his state and helping develop the next generation of fast bowlers.

In an injury-ravaged career, Pattinson played 21 Tests, 15 ODIs and 4 T20Is since making his debut in 2011, picking 81, 16 and 3 wickets respectively. Currently recovering from a back injury, Pattinson was earlier hopeful of being available for the upcoming Ashes.

The pacer had made a