James Pattinson's return to the Test set up is a step closer after earning a national contract and being picked in the Australia A squad to play in England.

Australian allrounder Moises Henriques says James Pattinson will be a big loss for the Test team ahead of an Ashes summer.

Victorian spearhead James Pattinson has aggravated a stress fracture in his back, forcing him to miss the Ashes and the start of the Sheffield Shield season.

James Pattinson has removed three top-order Kent batsmen to continue his good form for Nottinghamshire in English county cricket.