Nottinghamshire bowler Darren Pattinson has been added to the England squad to face South Africa at Headingley after it emerged that Ryan Sidebottom and Jimmy Anderson face late fitness tests on back strains.

Pattinson will compete with Hampshire’s Chris Tremlett for a place in the playing eleven with Andrew Flintoff expected to replace Paul Collingwood.

“Mick Newell knew he was taking a bit of a risk when he signed me because I was relatively unknown but I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to repay him by taking wickets for Notts,” said Pattinson.

“I felt that I was bowling better than I ever had throughout my last six months in Australia and the conditions in England have helped me to develop further.

“It’s been an incredible couple of months and to have the chance to play Test cricket for England would be the ultimate honour.”

Pattinson has enjoyed a meteoric rise since signing a two year deal at Trent Bridge in April. He took eight wickets in his LV County Championship debut against Kent and was included in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

David Hussey recommended Pattinson to Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell in 2006 and after impressing in several net sessions, he was signed as cover for Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad.

“It’s an amazing rags-to-riches story and it demonstrates that players who perform in county cricket are recognised by the England selectors,” said Newell.

“Darren made an excellent start to the season and his form has carried through. He seems to take everything in his stride and he has the temperament to produce consistent performances.”

Darren Pattinson timeline

August 2nd 1978 – Born in Grimsby
January 26th 2007 – Takes four wickets in his first-class debut for Victoria against South Australia at Melbourne
April 5th 2008 – Signs two year deal with Nottinghamshire
April 16th 2008 – Takes 5-22 in the first innings of his LV County Championship debut against Kent
3rd July 2008 – Included in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy
17th July 2008 – Added to England squad for second npower Test against South Africa