The case for Kurtis: Patterson pushing for Test recall

It’s been 2,815 days since Kurtis Patterson last wore his baggy green, but Adam White believes the drought could be over soon.

Patterson currently sits on 117* at stumps on Day 1 in the Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and New South Wales.

The New South Welshman is in a rich vein of form in the last 12 months having posted some big scores in both red-ball and one-day formats.

His current average of 38.85 in Sheffield Shield has been highlighted by 15 centuries, now 16 following his current knock.

Patterson batted at six in his Australian Test debut but could be in line to play higher up the order having predominantly batted at three for New South Wales.

“He is head and shoulders ahead of any other player at the moment,” Adam White said on SEN Mornings.

“If there was to be a player elevated into the top six, for me as a batsman, it is Kurtis Patterson.

“He had an outstanding year last year in the Sheffield Shield and straight away batting at number three.”

It’s put the pressure on the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, who currently bats at three but has not made a Test century since 2023 against England at Old Trafford.

Since that century, Labuschagne has only averaged 24.69 and is in desperate need of a big innings.

As for Patterson, should he continue his strong form at Sheffield Shield level, the calls for a Test recall will only get louder.

It hasn’t been a linear trajectory back to Test considerations for the left-hander, who was sensationally dropped from the NSW side in late 2023 with his red-ball career hanging in the balance.

It led to Patterson playing grade cricket for St George where he was able to string together some bigger scores and earn his spot back in the NSW XI.

“Patterson, who's been in the wilderness for quite some time, coming back into the team last year. He's a serious player, can bat number three,” White said.

“If Marnus doesn't get runs, Kurtis Patterson is the one to come in for the summer in my view, just through a weight of runs.”

The Australians have a busy Test schedule ahead with series againt New Zealand, India and England. Meanwhile, the focus will be on claiming victory in South Africa with Day 3 action set to continue at 6:45pm (AEDT).

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