Patterson switches to Sixers to bring renewed T20 game home

Fearful his T20 career was almost over less than a year ago, a resurgent Kurtis Patterson has signed a three-year deal at the Sydney Sixers ahead of BBL|12.

The two-Test left-hander will play under the captaincy of good friend and NSW Blues teammate Moises Henriques at the Sixers, a club he played one game for in the Big Bash's second ever season.

The signing comes after Patterson had a breakout campaign for the Perth Scorchers last season, where he scored more runs (391) than any other player in the title-winning side.

He played 14 games and cemented a spot as opener in a talent-stacked team.

After signing with the Sixers on Tuesday, he revealed to cricket.com.au the distinct 'sliding doors' moment in December that revived an ailing T20 career.

Prior to last summer, Patterson's BBL returns were meagre and he had struggled for regular games at three clubs (the Sixers, Sydney Thunder and Scorchers).

In 30 games, he had never passed 50.

On the eve of Perth's BBL|11 season opener, coach Adam Voges had told him in no uncertain terms that Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis – both of whom were on Australia A duty at the time – would regain their spots at the top of the order when they returned for the Scorcher's third game.

Patterson admitted that confidence in his own game was low.

"I was coming off-contract in Perth (at the end of the season) and I really thought I was going to get two games and that was going to be it. My wife and I were already making contingency plans about this upcoming (2022) Christmas about potentially going to the US to spend it there and potentially not even being here for the Big Bash, thinking I wouldn't even really have an opportunity anywhere."

Voges provided some "good honesty" prior to the Scorchers' opening game against the Brisbane Heat, which Patterson appreciated.

"Going into that first game I was essentially told I was going to get the first two games, and that was it," Patterson said.

"I kind of just told myself that I'd be sitting on the pine again, if I'm being honest. I told myself that I had two opportunities, then I'd be on the bench."

This allowed Patterson to free his mind.

"It became 'who cares what happens from now', in a way."

Batting at number three in their season opener at Optus Stadum against the Heat, the left-hander clubbed a stylish 55 off just 30 balls

"I was able to go out there and play really well and gave them a glimpse of what I was able to do," he recalled.

"It's funny how things turn. It kind of took me to get to that point…that allowed me to free my mind and adopt that attitude of just living with the result and playing with freedom. I'm lucky it worked in game one, and lucky to have got a few more cracks."

Not required to bat in the Scorchers' second game, Patterson then held his spot in the third at the expense of Cameron Bancroft despite a returning Marsh and Inglis, and was pushed up the order to open.

Then, just six days later, he smashed 78 off 48 balls against the Hobart Hurricanes.

"I think that was the one that really showed myself that I belonged, that I was good enough, and could really help my team win games of cricket. I think that was the main thing that was really motivating for me last year."

Not necessarily known as a big hitter prior to BBL|11, Patterson finished the season not only with a strike-rate north of 140, but having hit 18 sixes – a figure bettered by just three players across the campaign.

While a freed up mental approach to batting helped his game, a number of technical tweaks also ensured a run of consistent scores. This included keeping his hands lower in set-up to allow a " better bat flow" , which allowed him to access more power.

A "big reason" why Patterson pushed for the Sixers move was that it allowed him and his wife, who gave birth to their first child on April 5 (the same day as his birthday) the ability to remain based in NSW for the entire season.

However, he admitted it was bittersweet after a successful season on and off the field in Perth.

"It was a tough decision to be perfectly honest. I had a really good experience with the Scorchers last year in particular. It was a really tight-knit group of guys and I felt like it was one of the most enjoyable periods of cricket I've had throughout my career."

Patterson said that he was yet to speak with Sixers coach Greg Shipperd about his exact role in BBL|12, however assumed it would be at the top of the order again.

"We haven't got into the nitty gritty of what my exact role would be, but I haven't had a lot of success in the Big Bash until last year so as far as I'm aware, connecting the dots if I do get an opportunity it'll be towards the top of the order. There's obviously some competition there with the Sixers, but it was the same with Perth last year, I think that's always healthy."

He believed the two sides, who played off in last season's final at Marvel Stadium, would both be challenging again.

"I see a lot of similarities between my experience at Perth last year and the Sixers this year. It's the best place to bat at the top when you've got really high-class players coming in behind you that allows you to have that free mindset. I see the Sixers as having that as well – they've got quality players all the way down."

Patterson's signing adds intrigue to the Sixers tactics at the first BBL overseas player draft. They came up trumps in the weighted lottery to beat the odds and land an unexpected fifth pick.

The Sixers brains trust may bank on Patterson to fill the role previously held by England import James Vince if they decide to look elsewhere in the draft, with Josh Philippe having also quietly extended his tenure at the club until BBL|13.

Sydney Sixers BBL|12 squad (so far): Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques (c), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk.

Sydney Sixers W/BBL memberships are on sale now. Prices start from $33 per adult. W/BBL tickets on sale from August 18.