James Pattinson's decision to retire from international cricket did not come as a huge surprise to his Victoria coach, and former Australia team-mate, Chris Rogers who had sensed the fast bowler was struggling for motivation during the longer winter months.
Pattinson was expected to be in the frame for the Ashes but had been battling a knee injury during pre-season and made the call to bring an end to a Test career during which, when his body allowed, he often showed his destructive ability with 81 wickets at 26.33. At home, his numbers were even more impressive with 49 wickets from 11 matches at 21.87
His career has been hampered by numerous injuries but he recovered from major back surgery to make the 2019 Ashes then played twice during the following home summer against New Zealand. He was part of Australia's Test squad last season until an accident at home left him with fractured ribs.
"He's been through so much in his career," Rogers said. "He has played through pain a lot of the time and that wears you down. You get a little bit older and your motivation starts to change. He'll be thinking about his family and life after cricket.
"We've known [each other] for a little while. We've observed him closely over this pre-season. When you have a caged lion in the depths of winter in the indoor center trying to get motivated you can sense something is a little bit amiss. We probably felt there were a few question marks about what he would do and he's made the decision."
Rogers played three Tests alongside Pattinson. "[He had] so much energy. Sometimes, he found it hard to control [the ball] but other times, when he did it was epic to watch," he said.
Pattinson will continue playing state and BBL cricket and also hinted he would look to return to county cricket next season. Victoria also have a crop of young pace bowlers with Pattinson keen to help mentor them.
"Every time he plays for us we improve dramatically as a side. The way he lifts people around him is fantastic," Rogers said of his impact for Victoria.
Nick Cummins, the Cricket Victoria CEO, said: "Throughout his career, he has consistently challenged the very best batters in the world. James' journey has included injury hurdles and setbacks, which he has shown the determination to fight his way back from. He always took great pride in representing his country and was the ultimate competitor every time he stepped on the field for Australia."