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Pattinson targets future England caps

22/07/2008

Nottinghamshire seamer Darren Pattinson has said he wants to win more England caps after making his international debut against South Africa last week.

The Grimsby-born paceman was a surprise inclusion at Headingley after Ryan Sidebottom was ruled out with a back injury and Andrew Flintoff was recalled to the Test team in place of Paul Collingwood.

Several pundits have since questioned Pattinson's inclusion over established England players such as Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard.

And the issue of the 30-year-old's place has also appeared to create a rift between head coach Peter Moores and captain Michael Vaughan - neither of whom have taken responsibility for the final decision to include Pattinson.

Regardless of the controversy, and the ten-wicket defeat for England in the second Test, the seam bowler has said he would jump at the chance to play international cricket again.

"It was a bit tough walking into the dressing room for the first time but the guys welcomed me with open arms," he said.

"I've got things that I need to learn about the game and I know that my next chance might not come straight away but I'd like to think that I can be involved again further down the track."

On the issue of his nationality, which also caused problems for Pattinson in some quarters as he has played more cricket in Australia than in England, the bowler was adamant about where his loyalties lie.

"I've only got an English passport," he continued.

"I'm a resident in Australia when I'm there so there was never a decision to make between playing for England or Australia."