Pattinson left out of Australia team for ODI opener

MELBOURNE: Australia have left out fit again paceman James Pattinson for Sunday’s opening one day international with England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Skipper Michael Clarke admitted at his pre match media conference on Saturday he had no answers on why Pattinson was not selected.

Pattinson’s absence comes as Australia rest their Ashes player of the series and leading wicket taker Mitchell Johnson from game one of the five match ODI series.

Opening batsman Shaun Marsh has also been unable to win selection for Sunday s opener with Aaron Finch likely to partner David Warner at the top of the order and Shane Watson at number three.

Pattinson was sent home from the 2013 Ashes tour with a back injury but he has claimed seven wickets in three Big Bash League games recently.

While Australia s ODI series with England is a crucial warm up for the 2015 World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand it s also a chance for players like Pattinson to audition for a spot in the Test squad to tour South Africa in late January. (APP, AFP)