Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, once one of the most feared bowlers in the cricket world, has retired from international cricket.

The 31-year-old Victorian, who made his Test debut for Australia as a tearaway right armer, has made the decision to step away from international cricket to focus on family, playing for his state and helping develop the next generation of fast bowlers.

The right-armer played 21 Test Matches, 15 One-Day Internationals and four T20 Internationals for Australia. He has played 76 first-class games for Victoria. He took 81 wickets at 26.33 in his Test career and has 302 wickets at 22.52 in first-class cricket.

"Leading into pre-season I really wanted to give the Ashes a crack but in the end, I haven`t had the preparation I would have liked heading into the coming season," Pattinson, who will miss the opening round of fixtures for Victoria through injury, said.

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"If I was to be part of the Ashes, I would need to do myself and my teammates justice. I didn`t want to be in a position of battling with my body when you need to be 100 per cent fit and ready to go at any time. That would not be fair to myself or the team."

"It was then I felt that instead of trying to play at the very highest level, knowing I have only got three or four years of cricket left, I would focus more on Victoria, helping the young guys develop, perhaps some cricket in England and spending more time with my family."

Chair of the National Selection (NSP) George Bailey said Pattinson`s passion, drive and energy in his time within the Australian team was one of his greatest strengths, along with his ability with the ball.

"Everyone who has played with Patto has thrived on his competitive nature and the sheer pride he takes in playing for his country," Bailey said.

"James epitomises what it means to play for Australia, the sacrifices you make and the hurdles you have to overcome on the journey. But his record speaks for itself, he has been a wonderful player. We would have loved to have seen a lot more of him over the years."

Pattinson said he felt at ease with his decision to step away from the international game.

"Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket," he said.

"I have had a great time over the years and thank Cricket Australia for the opportunities, the faith they have put in me and of course all of my teammates through the journey. They have instilled a lot of trust in me especially at times when I have been injured and helped me through those times. For that, I am very grateful.

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"Pattinson played his first Test against New Zealand in 2011 and announced himself on the world stage with 5/27 in the second innings of Australia`s nine-wicket win. He was named Man of the Series with fourteen wickets in the two-Test series.

He repeated the effort in his next Test against India at the MCG with 6-108. After a short injury lay-off, he returned against India with another five-wicket haul in Chepauk, the only time an Australian fast bowler has done so at the ground.

The dose was repeated at his next outing in 2015 against the West Indies with another five-wicket performance, taking 5-27 which equalled his best career figures.

He played a further six Test matches after but was restricted due to a number of injuries including back surgery and the strength Australia's pace bowling stocks during this period.

Somewhat fittingly, his last Test was against New Zealand in Sydney, the side he made his debut against a decade earlier.&nbsp;

Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, once one of the most feared bowlers in the cricket world, has retired from international cricket. The 31-year-old Victorian, who made his Test debut for Australia as a tearaway right armer, has made the decision to step away from international cricket to focus on family, playing for his state and helping develop the next generation of fast bowlers.

Australian fast bowler James Pattinson, once one of the most feared bowlers in the cricket world, has retired from international cricket. The 31-year-old Victorian, who made his Test debut for Australia as a tearaway right armer, has made the decision to step away from international cricket to focus on family, playing for his state and helping develop the next generation of fast bowlers. The right-armer played 21 Test Matches, 15 One-Day Internationals and four T20 Internationals for Australia. He has played 76 first-class games for Victoria. He took 81 wickets at 26.33 in his Test career and has 302 wickets at 22.52 in first-class cricket. "Leading into pre-season I really wanted to give the Ashes a crack but in the end, I haven`t had the preparation I would have liked heading into the coming season," Pattinson, who will miss the opening round of fixtures for Victoria through injury, said. ALSO READ: Former Aussie cricketer Michael Slater arrested over alleged domestic violence incident "If I was to be part of the Ashes, I would need to do myself and my teammates justice. I didn`t want to be in a position of battling with my body when you need to be 100 per cent fit and ready to go at any time. That would not be fair to myself or the team." "It was then I felt that instead of trying to play at the very highest level, knowing I have only got three or four years of cricket left, I would focus more on Victoria, helping the young guys develop, perhaps some cricket in England and spending more time with my family." Chair of the National Selection (NSP) George Bailey said Pattinson`s passion, drive and energy in his time within the Australian team was one of his greatest strengths, along with his ability with the ball. "Everyone who has played with Patto has thrived on his competitive nature and the sheer pride he takes in playing for his country," Bailey said. "James epitomises what it means to play for Australia, the sacrifices you make and the hurdles you have to overcome on the journey. But his record speaks for itself, he has been a wonderful player. We would have loved to have seen a lot more of him over the years." Pattinson said he felt at ease with his decision to step away from the international game. "Now I have made the decision I am hoping to really enjoy the last three or four years of cricket," he said. "I have had a great time over the years and thank Cricket Australia for the opportunities, the faith they have put in me and of course all of my teammates through the journey. They have instilled a lot of trust in me especially at times when I have been injured and helped me through those times. For that, I am very grateful. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: 'I'm pretty optimistic about Australia's chances,' says Mike Hussey "Pattinson played his first Test against New Zealand in 2011 and announced himself on the world stage with 5/27 in the second innings of Australia`s nine-wicket win. He was named Man of the Series with fourteen wickets in the two-Test series. He repeated the effort in his next Test against India at the MCG with 6-108. After a short injury lay-off, he returned against India with another five-wicket haul in Chepauk, the only time an Australian fast bowler has done so at the ground. The dose was repeated at his next outing in 2015 against the West Indies with another five-wicket performance, taking 5-27 which equalled his best career figures. He played a further six Test matches after but was restricted due to a number of injuries including back surgery and the strength Australia's pace bowling stocks during this period. Somewhat fittingly, his last Test was against New Zealand in Sydney, the side he made his debut against a decade earlier.

Aussie pacer James Pattinson announces international retirement ahead of Ashes 2021

Australia pace bowler James Pattinson, who will play for Australia A against India A in a three-day warm-up game here from Sunday, says he has got wiser after picking Jasprit Bumrah`s brains in the Mumbai Indians` camp during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL). 
 
Pattinson, who had gone unsold in the IPL auction was brought into the Mumbai franchise as a replacement for veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the 2020 season in the UAE. 
 
"Boom (Bumrah) is one of the best, if not the best, T20 bowler in the world," Pattinson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au 
 
"And he`s a fantastic guy. The biggest thing was just how much he loves talking about cricket...and he was happy to share a lot of information around his bowling mindset," added Pattinson, who will play the three-day game at the Drummoyne Oval. 
 
"He bowls a lot more than I thought he would at training. He just bowls and bowls and bowls...you see how switched on he is." 
 
Pattinson added that he particularly learned bowling the yorker from Bumrah. 
 
"You watch him bowl and just think `how does he do that?`" Pattinson said. "I picked his brain. I was asking about his yorkers and how he gets them so good; he likes to bowl from a higher position and a few other things." 
 
Pattinson also believes it is a good lesson in not tinkering with bowling actions as is proven by Bumrah`s success. 
 
"It`s fantastic. He`s got an unusual action, been allowed to keep doing that and it`s what makes him successful," the right-arm pace bowler said. 
 
Pattinson, 30, added that he has also been lucky in learning from New Zealand`s Trent Boult in the Mumbai Indians team. 
 
"It ignited a spark to play more white-ball cricket...to try and get back into Australia`s white-ball teams," Pattinson added.

Australia pace bowler James Pattinson, who will play for Australia A against India A in a three-day warm-up game here from Sunday, says he has got wiser after picking Jasprit Bumrah`s brains in the Mumbai Indians` camp during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL).

Australia pace bowler James Pattinson, who will play for Australia A against India A in a three-day warm-up game here from Sunday, says he has got wiser after picking Jasprit Bumrah`s brains in the Mumbai Indians` camp during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL). Pattinson, who had gone unsold in the IPL auction was brought into the Mumbai franchise as a replacement for veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the 2020 season in the UAE. "Boom (Bumrah) is one of the best, if not the best, T20 bowler in the world," Pattinson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au "And he`s a fantastic guy. The biggest thing was just how much he loves talking about cricket...and he was happy to share a lot of information around his bowling mindset," added Pattinson, who will play the three-day game at the Drummoyne Oval. "He bowls a lot more than I thought he would at training. He just bowls and bowls and bowls...you see how switched on he is." Pattinson added that he particularly learned bowling the yorker from Bumrah. "You watch him bowl and just think `how does he do that?`" Pattinson said. "I picked his brain. I was asking about his yorkers and how he gets them so good; he likes to bowl from a higher position and a few other things." Pattinson also believes it is a good lesson in not tinkering with bowling actions as is proven by Bumrah`s success. "It`s fantastic. He`s got an unusual action, been allowed to keep doing that and it`s what makes him successful," the right-arm pace bowler said. Pattinson, 30, added that he has also been lucky in learning from New Zealand`s Trent Boult in the Mumbai Indians team. "It ignited a spark to play more white-ball cricket...to try and get back into Australia`s white-ball teams," Pattinson added.

Bumrah one of the best T20 bowlers, if not the best: Pattinson

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday announced the signing of Australian speedster James Pattinson as a replacement for veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. Malinga will miss entire season of IPL due to personal reasons and will be with his family in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Pattinson comes in as a replacement for Malinga and will join the Mumbai Indians squad currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Earlier in 2011, Pattinson was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for USD 100,000 but didn’t play a single match. He ended up being on the sidelines in the next two editions as well.&nbsp;

Pattinson, who is held in high regards, especially in the red-ball circuit, will now have the opportunity to prove his worth in IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani welcomed James on board and extended all support to Malinga as he said: “James is the right fit for us and adds to our pace attack options available at hand especially for the conditions we will play in this season.

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“Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. There is no denying the fact that we will miss Lasith’s cricketing acumen this season. However, we fully understand Lasith’s need to be in Sri Lanka with his family during this time.

Mumbai Indians is founded on the values of ‘One Family’ and for us the members of our squad and their wellbeing will always hold utmost importance. We welcome James to our One Family.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-suresh-raina-reveals-reason-behind-leaving-csk-camp-gives-hint-of-a-comeback-324677" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Suresh Raina reveals reason behind leaving CSK camp, gives hint of a comeback</a>

Pattinson, who had a base price of INR 1 crore, went unsold in IPL 2020 auction held in Kolkata in December 2019 but comes on board for Mumbai Indians now.

IPL 2020 is scheduled to start on September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in the UAE. 
&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday announced the signing of Australian speedster James Pattinson as a replacement for veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday announced the signing of Australian speedster James Pattinson as a replacement for veteran Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Malinga will miss entire season of IPL due to personal reasons and will be with his family in Sri Lanka. Pattinson comes in as a replacement for Malinga and will join the Mumbai Indians squad currently based in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Earlier in 2011, Pattinson was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for USD 100,000 but didn’t play a single match. He ended up being on the sidelines in the next two editions as well. Pattinson, who is held in high regards, especially in the red-ball circuit, will now have the opportunity to prove his worth in IPL 2020. Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani welcomed James on board and extended all support to Malinga as he said: “James is the right fit for us and adds to our pace attack options available at hand especially for the conditions we will play in this season. ALSO READ: Coronavirus outbreak increases vigilance around IPL: Kane Williamson “Lasith is a legend and a pillar of MI’s strength. There is no denying the fact that we will miss Lasith’s cricketing acumen this season. However, we fully understand Lasith’s need to be in Sri Lanka with his family during this time. Mumbai Indians is founded on the values of ‘One Family’ and for us the members of our squad and their wellbeing will always hold utmost importance. We welcome James to our One Family.” ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Suresh Raina reveals reason behind leaving CSK camp, gives hint of a comeback Pattinson, who had a base price of INR 1 crore, went unsold in IPL 2020 auction held in Kolkata in December 2019 but comes on board for Mumbai Indians now. IPL 2020 is scheduled to start on September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in the UAE.

IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians sign Australia's James Pattinson as Lasith Malinga's replacement

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-thrash-pakistan-to-win-series-2-0-260863">Kane Richardson</a> during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game.

The Melbourne Stars player apologised after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct and penalised Aus$7,500 (US$5,200).

"I got caught in the moment and took it too far," Stoinis said of the incident during the clash with cross-town rivals Melbourne Renegades on Saturday.

"I realised immediately I was in the wrong and I apologise to Kane and to the umpires.

"I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty."

The incident comes six weeks after fast bowler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-nathan-lyon-takes-five-as-australia-dominate-in-sydney-272264">James Pattinson</a>, currently playing for Australia in the third Test against New Zealand in Sydney, was banned for player abuse, also reportedly a homophobic slur.

His penalty, a one-match suspension which ruled him out of the first Test against Pakistan, was harsher as it was his third code of conduct breach in the past 18 months.

"The behaviour in this matter falls short of the standards we expect and we have acted accordingly," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-pattinson-banned-for-first-test-against-pakistan-for-personal-abuse-262662">Sean&nbsp;Carroll</a>, Cricket Australia's&nbsp;head of integrity and security said of the Stoinis fine.

He only referred to the matter as "personal abuse of a player", although the Cricket Australia website characterised it as a homophobic slur.

"There is no place for it in the game," added Carroll.

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game.

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was Sunday slapped with a hefty fine after directing a homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during a domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League game. The Melbourne Stars player apologised after being found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct and penalised Aus$7,500 (US$5,200). "I got caught in the moment and took it too far," Stoinis said of the incident during the clash with cross-town rivals Melbourne Renegades on Saturday. "I realised immediately I was in the wrong and I apologise to Kane and to the umpires. "I did the wrong thing and accept responsibility for my actions. The standards are there for a reason and I accept the penalty." The incident comes six weeks after fast bowler James Pattinson, currently playing for Australia in the third Test against New Zealand in Sydney, was banned for player abuse, also reportedly a homophobic slur. His penalty, a one-match suspension which ruled him out of the first Test against Pakistan, was harsher as it was his third code of conduct breach in the past 18 months. "The behaviour in this matter falls short of the standards we expect and we have acted accordingly," Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia's head of integrity and security said of the Stoinis fine. He only referred to the matter as "personal abuse of a player", although the Cricket Australia website characterised it as a homophobic slur. "There is no place for it in the game," added Carroll.

Marcus Stoinis penalised for passing homophobic slur at Kane Richardson during Big Bash League

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson was suspended on Sunday for player abuse, ruling him out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-khawaja-harris-dumped-from-australia-test-squad-261975">first Test </a>against Pakistan this week.

The paceman was found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct during Victoria's Sheffield Shield game against Queensland last week.

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 triggered a one-match suspension.

"We have a duty to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and the action taken in this matter demonstrates that," CA's head of integrity and security Sean Carroll said in a statement.

Pattinson's ban opens the door to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ricky-ponting-says-mitchell-starc-needs-to-do-something-special-to-play-first-test-against-pak-262553">Mitchell Starc </a>to play in the Test at Brisbane starting Thursday.

The two were seen to be competing for one bowling slot to partner Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon.

"I made a mistake in the heat of the moment," said Pattinson, who admitted the offence. "Straight away I realised I was in the wrong, and I apologised immediately, both to the opponent and to the umpires.&nbsp;

"I have done the wrong thing and accept the penalty. I'm gutted to miss a Test 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.

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson was suspended on Sunday for player abuse, ruling him out of the first Test against Pakistan this week. The paceman was found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct during Victoria's Sheffield Shield game against Queensland last week.

Australia fast bowler James Pattinson was suspended on Sunday for player abuse, ruling him out of the first Test against Pakistan this week. The paceman was found guilty of breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct during Victoria's Sheffield Shield game against Queensland last week. 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 triggered a one-match suspension. "We have a duty to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and the action taken in this matter demonstrates that," CA's head of integrity and security Sean Carroll said in a statement. Pattinson's ban opens the door to Mitchell Starc to play in the Test at Brisbane starting Thursday. The two were seen to be competing for one bowling slot to partner Josh Hazelwood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon. "I made a mistake in the heat of the moment," said Pattinson, who admitted the 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 a Test 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.

James Pattinson banned for first Test against Pakistan for 'personal abuse'

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes that Mitchell Starc will need to do something special to find a place in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test against Pakistan.

In the Ashes, Starc played just one match for the team from Down Under and managed to take six wickets.

"I absolutely love everything that Mitchell Starc brings to the table. But at the same time, they have been reluctant to play him in the last few series. He only played the one Ashes Test match and he did OK in that game," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying. "I think Starc will have to do something pretty special at training to be part of that team," he added.

As Australia are slated to take on Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane for the first Test, Ponting brought up James Pattinson's record at the stadium and said it will go in his favour when it comes to selection.

"Pattinson's got a good record in&nbsp;Brisbane as well. That's the other thing that might go in his favour; in a place where the ball does swing a bit, he generally pitches it up and takes it away from the right-handers," he said.&nbsp;

"The reluctance to play Starc in the past has been that he has generally leaked runs," he added.

The 44-year-old Ponting also hailed Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins for not leaking runs and being outstanding for a consistent period.

"What we know with Hazlewood and Cummins is they are not leaking runs and they have been outstanding for a long time now. Not only are they getting guys out, but they are making it harder to score as well," Ponting said.

Australia squad for Test Series against Pakistan- Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head (vc), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

Australia and Pakistan are slated to play two Tests against each other and the second match of the series would be a day-night Test at Adelaide. The first match of the series will be played in Brisbane from November 21-25.&nbsp;

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes that Mitchell Starc will need to do something special to find a place in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test against Pakistan.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes that Mitchell Starc will need to do something special to find a place in the playing XI for the upcoming first Test against Pakistan. In the Ashes, Starc played just one match for the team from Down Under and managed to take six wickets. "I absolutely love everything that Mitchell Starc brings to the table. But at the same time, they have been reluctant to play him in the last few series. He only played the one Ashes Test match and he did OK in that game," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying. "I think Starc will have to do something pretty special at training to be part of that team," he added. As Australia are slated to take on Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane for the first Test, Ponting brought up James Pattinson's record at the stadium and said it will go in his favour when it comes to selection. "Pattinson's got a good record in Brisbane as well. That's the other thing that might go in his favour; in a place where the ball does swing a bit, he generally pitches it up and takes it away from the right-handers," he said. "The reluctance to play Starc in the past has been that he has generally leaked runs," he added. The 44-year-old Ponting also hailed Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins for not leaking runs and being outstanding for a consistent period. "What we know with Hazlewood and Cummins is they are not leaking runs and they have been outstanding for a long time now. Not only are they getting guys out, but they are making it harder to score as well," Ponting said. Australia squad for Test Series against Pakistan- Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head (vc), Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner. Australia and Pakistan are slated to play two Tests against each other and the second match of the series would be a day-night Test at Adelaide. The first match of the series will be played in Brisbane from November 21-25.

Ricky Ponting says Mitchell Starc needs to do something 'special' to play first Test against Pak

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anderson-could-hold-key-to-ashes-says-mcgrath-239251">Ashes</a> Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia is looking for their first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-contest-too-close-to-call-says-former-australia-captain-steve-waugh-238960">Ashes series win</a> in England in 18 years.

"The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game."

As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith.

Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales.

They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England.

Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final.

Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins.

"He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely."

But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. &nbsp;

England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday.

James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's.

But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury.

Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland.

Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start.

"We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that.&nbsp;

"We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting."

The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.&nbsp;

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground. Australia is looking for their first Ashes series win in England in 18 years. "The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game." As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith. Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales. They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England. Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England. Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final. Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins. "He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely." But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday. James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's. But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury. Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland. Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start. "We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that. "We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting." The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.

Australia win toss and bat against England in first Ashes Test

Australia coach Justin Langer says an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anderson-could-hold-key-to-ashes-says-mcgrath-239251">Ashes</a> return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban.

Bancroft, 26, is set to open the batting in Thursday's first Test at Edgbaston, with Australia's top order also likely to feature <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cameron-bancroft-joins-steve-smith-and-david-warner-in-australias-ashes-squad-238644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlgs2W3tzjAhWL7nMBHW9qDEUQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0EAcaSZ4lNdf3iTyI_At_Y">David Warner and Steve Smith.</a>

If that is the case, it would mean all three players who were banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year would be in Australia's XI.

Smith and Warner have already experienced plenty of boos from English crowds during the recent World Cup.

Bancroft, not selected for the one-day tournament, will almost certainly experience more of the same given he was the one who applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test away to South Africa in a blatant flouting of cricket's rulebook.

"It would be a great story if he comes back into the team," Langer said at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

"His development after what happened in Cape Town has been extraordinary."

Langer, a former Australia opener, said: "We know what the reception is going to be. There's nothing we can do about it. We don't know (how he will cope) actually, but we'll find out.

"He's a good kid and as tough as anyone you could meet. To endure the scrutiny of the past 14 months, especially the first part of it, I think he's had a pretty good dress rehearsal."

Langer confirmed batsman Usman Khawaja, who missed Australia's World Cup semi-final defeat by England at Edgbaston with a hamstring injury, had been passed fit and would play in the opening match of the five-Test series.

"He's a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy is good, he's running well, he's passed all the fitness tests, so he's ready to go," Langer said.

Fast bowler James Pattinson is also set to feature in what would be his first Test since February 2016, lining up alongside Pat Cummins and one of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle or Josh Hazlewood in Australia's pace attack.&nbsp;

"There's probably three to be fair - Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood - for one spot," added Langer.

Australia holds the Ashes but has not won a Test series away to England since 2001.

Australia coach Justin Langer says an Ashes return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban.

Australia coach Justin Langer says an Ashes return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban. Bancroft, 26, is set to open the batting in Thursday's first Test at Edgbaston, with Australia's top order also likely to feature David Warner and Steve Smith. If that is the case, it would mean all three players who were banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year would be in Australia's XI. Smith and Warner have already experienced plenty of boos from English crowds during the recent World Cup. Bancroft, not selected for the one-day tournament, will almost certainly experience more of the same given he was the one who applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test away to South Africa in a blatant flouting of cricket's rulebook. "It would be a great story if he comes back into the team," Langer said at Edgbaston on Tuesday. "His development after what happened in Cape Town has been extraordinary." Langer, a former Australia opener, said: "We know what the reception is going to be. There's nothing we can do about it. We don't know (how he will cope) actually, but we'll find out. "He's a good kid and as tough as anyone you could meet. To endure the scrutiny of the past 14 months, especially the first part of it, I think he's had a pretty good dress rehearsal." Langer confirmed batsman Usman Khawaja, who missed Australia's World Cup semi-final defeat by England at Edgbaston with a hamstring injury, had been passed fit and would play in the opening match of the five-Test series. "He's a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy is good, he's running well, he's passed all the fitness tests, so he's ready to go," Langer said. Fast bowler James Pattinson is also set to feature in what would be his first Test since February 2016, lining up alongside Pat Cummins and one of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle or Josh Hazlewood in Australia's pace attack. "There's probably three to be fair - Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood - for one spot," added Langer. Australia holds the Ashes but has not won a Test series away to England since 2001.

Langer predicts hostile Ashes reception for Bancroft from England fans

Injury troubles have kept James Pattinson out of the Australian test side for three years but the fast bowler issued a timely reminder to selectors ahead of the Ashes as he guided Victoria to their fourth Sheffield Shield title in five years on Sunday.

Having grabbed three wickets in the first innings against Queensland, the Melbourne man tore through the top order in a devastating spell, his match haul of 7-71 leaving him with 26 wickets at an average of 18.92 for the competition.

With first-choice quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood battling injuries, 28-year-old Pattinson will look to continue his revival when he heads to England to play for Nottinghamshire in the county championship.

Once seen as a potential 100-test player, Pattinson returned to first class cricket for the first time in 15 months in November having undergone major back surgery.

The paceman played the last of his 17 tests away to New Zealand in February 2016 but has remained patient and determined through a number of injury setbacks.

"It's been a journey to get to this position over the last few years and at times I thought I would never be back," said Pattinson, who has suffered a litany of back problems and soft tissue injuries through his stop-start career.

"I never doubted my ability when I could get back and bowl.

"All the hard work, all the doubts that creep in to your mind, these are times that make it worth it."

Selector Trevor Hohns was at Melbourne's Junction Oval to watch the Shield final and would have likely been impressed by the performance of the once-menacing Pattinson, who has 70 test wickets at an average of 26.15.

"We'd love to see him (with Victoria) for every game but I think he deserves to be with the big boys as opposed to playing with us," said Victoria captain Travis Dean.

Test cricket would be a big step up from the loads bowled in Shield cricket, and Pattinson will have to get through the county season unscathed to be considered for the Ashes starting in August.

"They have never really had an issue with the way I bowl, it's just about staying on the park," Pattinson said of the national selectors.

"I need to get through a few more games ... The test will come once I start bowling more. I have spoken to the selectors in recent times about the Ashes and that's my goal."

Injury troubles have kept James Pattinson out of the Australian test side for three years but the fast bowler issued a timely reminder to selectors ahead of the Ashes as he guided Victoria to their fourth Sheffield Shield title in five years on Sunday.

Injury troubles have kept James Pattinson out of the Australian test side for three years but the fast bowler issued a timely reminder to selectors ahead of the Ashes as he guided Victoria to their fourth Sheffield Shield title in five years on Sunday. Having grabbed three wickets in the first innings against Queensland, the Melbourne man tore through the top order in a devastating spell, his match haul of 7-71 leaving him with 26 wickets at an average of 18.92 for the competition. With first-choice quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood battling injuries, 28-year-old Pattinson will look to continue his revival when he heads to England to play for Nottinghamshire in the county championship. Once seen as a potential 100-test player, Pattinson returned to first class cricket for the first time in 15 months in November having undergone major back surgery. The paceman played the last of his 17 tests away to New Zealand in February 2016 but has remained patient and determined through a number of injury setbacks. "It's been a journey to get to this position over the last few years and at times I thought I would never be back," said Pattinson, who has suffered a litany of back problems and soft tissue injuries through his stop-start career. "I never doubted my ability when I could get back and bowl. "All the hard work, all the doubts that creep in to your mind, these are times that make it worth it." Selector Trevor Hohns was at Melbourne's Junction Oval to watch the Shield final and would have likely been impressed by the performance of the once-menacing Pattinson, who has 70 test wickets at an average of 26.15. "We'd love to see him (with Victoria) for every game but I think he deserves to be with the big boys as opposed to playing with us," said Victoria captain Travis Dean. Test cricket would be a big step up from the loads bowled in Shield cricket, and Pattinson will have to get through the county season unscathed to be considered for the Ashes starting in August. "They have never really had an issue with the way I bowl, it's just about staying on the park," Pattinson said of the national selectors. "I need to get through a few more games ... The test will come once I start bowling more. I have spoken to the selectors in recent times about the Ashes and that's my goal."

Forgotten man James Pattinson stakes Ashes claim

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