The opener for the Sydney Sixers, Kurtis Patterson, has decided to leave Perth and return to Sydney in order to be closer to his family for the holiday season. Patterson recently welcomed his son into the world.Patterson was presented as the newest member of the Sixers’ squad on Tuesday, and he immediately signed a new three-year deal with the team, for whom he made his debut in a single game in 2012.
Patterson is the only local player to quit the champions in advance of the upcoming season. Born again in Twenty20 cricket and having his greatest Big Bash League season last summer when starting for the Scorchers, Patterson is the only player to depart the champions.
The 29-year-old player confessed that after his initial conversation with the Sixers at the conclusion of the previous summer, he struggled with the decision. However, he ultimately made up his mind after the birth of his son Hayden in April.
According to Patterson’s comments to the AAP, “it alters things, it makes you think about where your priorities are.” “Even if we’re not together to celebrate Christmas together, just being in the same place at the same time is enough. That was the single most essential thing for me.
“I count it as a great blessing that I was able to make the transition from playing for the Scorchers to playing for the Sixers. It seems to be quite common knowledge that they are the two clubs in the Big Bash with the highest level of esteem. However, their cultures and the success they have had on the field speak for themselves.”
Patterson is looking forward to starting for the Sixers this summer, and the team’s first match is scheduled to take place on December 14 against the Scorchers.
The return of the NSW skipper coincides with the intention of east coast clubs to attract large audiences this summer out of Covid, with the relaunch of Sixers memberships taking place this week.
The upcoming international draught, for which more than 170 players have already registered, is anticipated to attract a greater amount of attention to the sport.
Patterson is also optimistic that a return to travel conditions that are closer to the norm will help improve his red-ball form. He has not given up hope of adding to his total of two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019, where he has averaged 144 for Australia, and he currently has a score of 144.
Patterson has suffered through two summers of inconsistent opportunities owing to state border closures since he was told by national selectors two years ago that all he needed to do was produce runs. Since then, Patterson has been told by national selectors that he only needed to produce runs.
Patterson is optimistic that the fact that there are six Sheffield Shield matches scheduled before the BBL and Test summer this year would make life easier for him.
“Having six games and a number of one-day games coming into the summer and BBL, it allows you to establish your rhythm a bit more,” Patterson said. “Having six games and a bunch of one-day games leading into the summer and BBL.” “It seemed like everything was happening at a breakneck speed [in recent years] in order to try to get in three games before Big Bash [last summer].
“However, this gives you the opportunity to ease into the season and build up your skills gradually, ensuring that every player in the country is at the top of their game when the first test begins. Everyone around the country will be better off.”
