Express paceman James Pattinson is determined to finish the Sheffield Shield season with a bang, having reset his focus on the Ashes after a frustrating stint in the Test squad.
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Pattinson was a key part of Australia's retention of the urn in 2019 but failed to break into the XI during their recent Test series against India.
The 30-year-old was on drinks duty in Adelaide and Melbourne before suffering an untimely rib injury which ensured he missed out on a potential recall at the SCG or Gabba.
"You sit in a hub and you're 12th, 13th man of the Australian team which is fantastic," he told cricket.com.au.
"But you're still missing out on playing cricket.
"That's probably the hardest thing. You're bowling in the nets and, at times, it can be frustrating as a 30-year-old when you've done a lot of that."
The right-armer, whose career was almost derailed by back injuries, played Victoria's two Shield games in Sydney during the past fortnight.
Pattinson is set to back up in the MCG clash with Tasmania that starts on Friday, when he will square off against friend and former teammate Peter Siddle.
"My body feels the best it has, my back has come really good," he said.
"There's obviously the Ashes next summer. That's the next challenge.
"The (short-term) goal is to win that Sheffield Shield final."
The fired-up quick, who opted out of the Indian Premier League auction to spend more time with his young family, does not go through the motions at any level of cricket.
Pattinson's celebration of the dismissal of former Test batsman Kurtis Patterson was one of several examples of his intensity at Bankstown Oval.
"He's manic," Victoria coach Chris Rogers said.
"But when he brings all his positive energy, it's just something to behold. It lifts everyone.
"He actually told Kurtis Patterson he was going to bowl him around his legs. He did then run around to fine leg. You can see the amount of enjoyment all the other players got from it.
"As for the Australian set up, I think it's time. He is probably the best he is ever going to be."
Rogers predicted a warm reception for Siddle, while Pattinson admitted it will be weird to play against his former Australia, Victoria and Dandenong teammate.
"It was sad to see him go," Pattinson said.
This round's NSW-South Australia and Queensland-Western Australia matches start on Saturday, at Adelaide Oval and the Gabba respectively.
Australian Associated Press
