Nottinghamshirehave found cover for their England stars Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom aftersigning swing bowler Darren Pattinson.

A team-mate of Notts overseas batsman DavidHussey at Victoria, Pattinson has spent the last two summers playing clubcricket in England and has a British passport.

The 28-year-old right-armer, who was bornin Grimsby before moving to Australia as a child, has returned to the UK on atwo-year contract.

Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell said:"We have had an eye on Darren for a couple of years, ever since he came alongfor a net with us two years ago.

"Like Charlie Shreck, he's come into thefirst-class game late and that should mean he's got plenty of miles left on theclock.

"He bowls with good pace and gets the ballto swing. We're keen to see how he gets on with more regular cricket andbelieve he will be a very useful performer in all competitions."

Pattinson made his debut for Victoria inthe 2006-07 season after consistent performances at grade level in Melbourne.He has played in five Pura Cup and 12 one-day games.

A former roof-tiler, his younger brotherJames was part of Australia's Under-19 squad for this winter's World Cup.

His signing completes Newell's search foranother seamer to add to the staff at Trent Bridge, following the award of anEngland central contract to Sidebottom.

The left-armer is only expected to beavailable for a few of Notts' Championship matches, while Broad's appearancesmay also be limited after his promising performances on the recent New Zealandtour.