James Pattinson left a lasting reminder of his talents by taking six wickets on what will be his final match for Notts in 2019.

The Australian claimed 6-73 on the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship match against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

Zak Crawley scored 111 for the hosts, who were bowled out for 309 after being inserted by Steven Mullaney.

Pattinson started this campaign with five wickets in the Royal London One-Day Cup match against Lancashire and bookended it with another superb performance.

“I suppose it’s good to take some wickets,” he laughed. “We started really well with the ball but it sort of turned into a bit of a mixed day. If we’d got a bit tighter with the ball we could maybe have bowled them out for 220 or 230 but credit to young Crawley.

“He batted really well and got a hundred and put them in a decent position,” he added.

“The wicket’s traditionally been pretty flat here and there’s been some big scores here, so hopefully we can go out there and bat for most of tomorrow and get a good lead.”

Nine years ago, when Notts last played at Tunbridge Wells, Darren Pattinson took a wicket with the first ball of the Kent innings, a catch at first slip. History nearly repeated itself for his brother.

“I nearly did it - and probably should have,” he reflected. “But that’s cricket and I then got him out two balls later, so the cricket Gods were looking after me.”

Kent were reduced to 105-5 at lunch but put up some stoic resistance during the best part of the day to muster 309.

“We were ahead of the game getting five wickets before lunch,” said Pattinson. “So we would have liked to get them out a bit cheaper but I think the wicket played well. It’s true and quite low and slow at times but it allows you to play your shots.

“There were a few runs scored today and a few wickets so we’ve got to have clear plans tomorrow. We need to get stuck in because there’s big runs out there.”

Ben Slater and Ben Duckett negotiated a tricky final few overs for Notts, reaching 30-0 by stumps.

*******

A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with adult tickets priced at £10. Secure your seats…