Patterson’s show of faith to Yorkshire County Cricket Club (From York Press)

Patterson’s show of faith to Yorkshire County Cricket Club

10:17am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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Steve Patterson is hoping to repay the Yorkshire management for the faith shown in him and the other White Rose first team hopefuls.

Patterson, 26, is one of a number of pace bowlers hoping to secure their berth after a number of seasons vying it out with the old guard of players such as Matthew Hoggard, Deon Kruis and Darren Gough.

Over the last two winters the experienced seam and swing trio have left Headingley, and it has opened the door for Patterson et al.

James Lee, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Ben Sanderson and all-rounder Rich Pyrah are the other prospects who are vying for places alongside Hull-born Patterson.

There is obviously still the likes of Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad and either Ryan Harris or Daryl Tuffey to consider, but it remains to be seen how much county cricket they will be able to play due to international commitments.

Patterson said: “In the past, the senior players have meant your opportunities have been restricted.

“As much as you want to play above anybody else, sometimes it’s hard when you’ve got England or ex-England players around. It can be taken out of your hands.

“Those players have to play – and sometimes you feel even if you play well, you’re not going to get an opportunity. Now, because it’s not like that with all the younger lads, we will get an equal opportunity to get in. That will be good because it increases competition among us all as we all try to do well.

“It’s nice to be given that backing to say ‘we think you’re good enough’. The responsibility is on our shoulders. If we perform, we play, if we don’t, we don’t deserve to.”

“I’ve just got through this winter by being very excited about the coming season. You feel like they’re investing in you.”

Patterson is currently on tour with Yorkshire in Barbados. He impressed during last pre-season in Dubai, but then fell out of the side once Rana Naved-ul-Hasan arrived as the overseas player and Bresnan came back from England duty.

With matches against other counties over the fortnight, he said pre-season tours now have added importance.

“When you start the season, whoever’s playing the best will get the spot,” he said. “You’ve got to look at a pre-season tour as a chance to prove yourself.

“Whereas in the past tours have been used for just practice and fitness, now you can use it to your own advantage.

“Ideally I’d love to play for a full season, play in every game that I’m available for. If it’s not my time now, then I never will have a time.”