Fast bowler
James Pattinson will be returning to the Victorian side from injury with their upcoming clash against
Queensland.
While eager to return, the 31-year-old is aware that he is currently standing on eggshells as even a minor sanction can potentially lead to a suspension.
Not long after, Pattinson received a $2500 fine for an audible obscenity during a BBL fixture, a Level 1 offence.
Regardless of how minor the offence is, a third offence within 18 months will spark a minimum of two suspension points and up to 12 suspension points, which could see him suspended for a year. Four offences within 18 months would cement a one-year suspension.
Officials will be taking the severity of Pattinson's offences along with his remorse into careful consideration. More importantly, Pattinson's history with prior offences throughout the duration of his career will also be factored.
Essentially the right-armer must keep his act together over the course of the next 15 months otherwise his near future will fall into the hands of a match referee or an independent code of conduct commissioner if found guilty of even a minor breach.
Moreover, Pattinson's captain
Peter Handscomb has full faith in his fast bowler to keep his behaviour under raps.
"Finding that fine line is tough, but that's not really on me," Handscomb told the media.
"I trust 'Patto' to know what he's doing, to know how to toe the line. He's toed the line for all of his career, and he's done such a good job at it.
"I trust him to know when to pull back or when to go hard. When he's going hard and when he feels like he can crack a game open, that's when he's at his best."
A stacked Victorian side including
players such as
Scott Boland and
Marcus Stoinis are taking on
Queensland at Junction Oval. Handscomb believes that Pattinson will be a crucial part of the Victorian side who are currently placed comfortably on the top of the table.
"He'll always be a Test match cricketer in my eyes," Handscomb said.
"He's incredible … he's so good to have on your team; his wrist, his skill, his ability to seize the moment in a game and understand where he can really crack it open is huge.
"What he's going to do for us, the energy he brings and the way he helps the younger bowlers is so good. I'm just pumped to have him back.
"He almost gives you another player out there, like there's 12 of you out there.
"He lifts you, says some stupid s**t out there which makes you laugh and keeps the mood nice and light, so he's great for us, and having him back in the squad is a huge bonus."