Pattinson ruled out of Shield Final

Former Australian quick James Pattinson has been ruled out of the Sheffield Shield against Western Australia due to a calf injury, in a bitter blow to Victoria’s title hopes.

Pattinson claimed three wickets in his side’s innings and 51 run loss to WA at the WACA last week, having taken 15 wickets in five games this summer after a shock retirement from international cricket on the eve of the Ashes.

“We’ve had a bit of a setback with Pattinson having a slight calf strain so he’s been ruled out,” retiring Victorian cricket manager Shaun Graf told Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.

He confirmed returning opening batsman Marcus Harris was in doubt after a positive covid test upon his return from Pakistan where he had been a reserve batsman for the Australian Test side.

“It may be a low dose so to speak the doctors tell us, so all being well he should be on the plane (to Perth) tomorrow.”

Scott Boland looks set to take Pattinson’s place in the side having also returned from Australian duties in Pakistan, while spinner Jon Holland is likely to play having been left out of the final round fixture with WA on a seamer friendly wicket.

You will hear ball by ball descriptions of WA and Victoria in the 2021-22 Sheffield Shield Final from Thursday at 10am on 91.3 Sport FM.

IMAGE: Cricket Australia.