The GV Bush Bash is set for an injection of star power this summer with Kyabram-based franchise Hurley’s Hotel Hounds announcing former Test quick James Pattinson as its latest marquee signing.
Currently recovering from injury Pattinson is expected to don Hounds blue for rounds two and three of the competition in January and will be available for the final should they make it through.
By far the most esteemed cricketer to take their talents to the Bush Bash in its three-year history Pattinson’s record speaks for itself.
Exploding onto the scene with five wickets on international debut in 2011 the imposing quick played 21 Tests and took 81 wickets at an average of 26.33.
While injury cut his international career short, Pattinson has had a profound impact at domestic level and has been a fan favourite in the Big Bash for Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat for the past decade.
Hurley’s Hotel Hounds owner Brenton Sheppard said a distant family connection was the key to unlocking this marquee signing.
“Patto is actually an old family friend of my wife, so that was how it all started,” Sheppard said.
“I hadn’t spoken to him for years, but I thought I’d just touch base through that avenue and luckily enough he was keen to come up and play for us.
“He ruled himself out for the first matches on December 11, but after that he said he will be right and we can’t wait to see him in Hounds blue this summer.”
Hurley’s Hotel Hounds have been perpetual bridesmaids throughout the history of GV Bush Bash, falling to SRP Mud Dogs in the final in each of their two campaigns.
Sheppard outlined what he hoped Pattinson would bring to his squad as it looks to clear the final hurdle.
“Hopefully he puts a bit fear into the other teams, we are sick of being the bridesmaids of this competition, so we brought in some firepower,” he said.
“Having a guy with his experience of playing top-flight cricket will without doubt be invaluable to the whole squad and hopefully his skills will entertain the crowd as well.”
While Pattinson is set to be a major presence on the field, it is off the field where he will have the biggest impact, as keen cricket fans from across the region descend on the GV Bush Bash game days to catch a glimpse of the towering quick.
“I think a recruit like this gives the Bush Bash another level of profile,” Sheppard said.
“We’ve had some good players come through over the first couple of seasons, but to get someone of this ilk I think will generate lots of interest and attract people to come to the games.
“It also gives the boys who are playing good cricket in the local area a chance to play alongside one of the best players in the country, which will give them a great a platform too.”
Pattinson isn’t the only big name set to head to the Hounds this season, with the franchise announcing the arrival of top Victorian talents Cameron Stevenson, Joshua Trembearth, Ben Holt, Chare Smith, Corey Hickford, Regis Chakabva, Jack Neylon and Jack Potticary along with a raft of re-signings.