SYDNEY: Australia fast bowler James Pattinson was suspended on Sunday forplayer abuse, ruling him out of the first Test against Pakistan this week.
The paceman was found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia’s code ofconduct during Victoria’s Sheffield Shield game against Queensland lastweek.
It was not clear what he said, but the governing body characterised it as”personal abuse of a player while fielding”.
Given it was his third breach in the past 18 months, the incident triggereda one-match suspension.
“We have a duty to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and the actiontaken in this matter demonstrates that,” CA’s head of integrity andsecurity Sean Carroll said in a statement.
Pattinson’s ban opens the door to Mitchell Starc to play in the Test atBrisbane starting Thursday.
The two were seen to be competing for one bowling slot to partner JoshHazelwood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon.
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“I made a mistake in the heat of the moment,” said Pattinson, who admittedthe offence.
“Straight away I realised I was in the wrong, and I apologised immediately,both to the opponent and to the umpires.
“I have done the wrong thing and accept the penalty. I’m gutted to miss aTest match, but the standards are there for a reason and the fault is mine.”
CA said no replacement will be called up for the Test squad. – APP/AFP
