Patterson’s resurgence continued after the left-handed batter was recalled to the Australia A setup for the first time since February 2020 and is likely to take the field against England Lions on home soil.

Patterson had a phenomenal start to his Test career and scored a century in his second Test against Sri Lanka in 2019. However, despite his Test batting average of 144 - the highest in cricket - it was the last time he wore the baggy green of Australia and he faded into obscurity soon after.

The 31-year-old, with 17 appearances for Australia A, began last summer on the sidelines after being relegated to playing grade cricket for St George. Struggling with form and failing to prove his case, Patterson had even been removed from the captaincy of New South Wales as his presence diminished in the Sheffield Shield.

On the comeback trail

However, the southpaw has rediscovered his mojo with the bat and has had a strong season so far. He has scored 527 runs at an average of 105.40 and is just 10 runs short of the top-scorer despite playing far fewer matches.

He remained unbeaten on 167 against reigning champions Western Australia and has made five 50+ scores in just six innings.

Interestingly, Patterson is also one of eight players in the 12-man Australia A squad who did not compete against India recently. Jordan Buckingham, Corey Rocchiccioli, Josh Philippe, and Fergus O'Neill are the only ones from the squad to have faced India on their tour of the country earlier.

Australia will clash with England Lions at the Central Cricket Stadium in Sydney with the match beginning on January 30.

Australia A squad vs England Lions

Australia A: Jack Edwards (c), Xavier Bartlett, Brendan Doggett, Jordan Buckingham, Jayden Goodwin, Aaron Hardie, Fergus O'Neill, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Will Sutherland, Tim Ward

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