Notts sensation Darren Pattinson has been included in the England team to face South Africa after Ryan Sidebottom was forced to withdraw with a back strain.

The call completes a remarkable rise to prominence for Pattinson who was a virtual unknown when he signed a two year deal at Trent Bridge in April

Pattinson joins Jimmy Anderson and Nottinghamshire team mate Stuart Broad in the England seam attack with Andrew Flintoff also included in the side in place of Paul Collingwood.

“Darren has done everything that we’ve asked of him and more this season and he’s been outstanding in all competitions,” said Notts Captain Chris Read, who has seen Pattinson take 29 LV County Championship wickets at 20.86.

“It’s an unusual selection because Chris Tremlett has been around the squad as twelfth man but the selectors have obviously seen something in Darren and I’m delighted for him.

“David Hussey brought him to our attention and when we found out that we was English-qualified it all fell into our lap and we’ve reaped the rewards.

“We’ve used him as a wicket-taker but he’s also able to bowl longer spells.

“He’s been thrown in at the deep end with England but that’s probably a good thing because it gives him less time to think about things. He’ll have a few butterflies in his stomach but he’ll be eager to get out there and use the new ball.”

England captain Michael Vaughan conceded that Pattinson is something of an unknown quantity but his Notts record serves as an indicator of his ability.

“I’ve not seen a lot of Darren but he gets it up and swings it and his stats and figures are very good,” said Vaughan.

“I’ve faced him in a Twenty20 match at Headingley and I’ve seen him in TV matches. He was supposed to be going to Alton Towers today with his family.”