Pattinson ready for New Zealand challenge

Australia paceman James Pattinson insists he has had enough match practice ahead of a Test series against New Zealand.

Pattinson, 25, was pulled out of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania to fly across the Tasman ahead of a two-Test series.

The speedster took 13 wickets at an average of 22.46 during the series against West Indies, equal most with off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Pattinson’s only outing since the rain-hit Sydney Test was the Shield match, during which he took 3-81.

“My body is refreshed now. I’ve had two weeks of no bowling before this game. I’m feeling really good. I’m really confident,” he said.

“I’ve taken a lot of confidence out of the summer we had here so I’m feeling really good and excited.”

Pattinson hopes the opportunity to make alterations in foreign conditions will do him good ahead of the first Test starting in Wellington on February 12.

“It’s good to get over there a bit earlier and obviously adapt to the conditions,” he said.

“They’re going to be a little bit different so I think that’ll all help.”