The Ashes is, unquestionably, cricket’s most celebrated series. The pinnacle of the international game, one of the fiercest rivalries in sport will be contested over five matches this summer, starting this week at Trent Bridge.

One man not short on desire and drive will be young Australian bowler James Pattinson.

Pattinson is, of course, the younger brother of former Notts bowler Darren Pattinson, whose exploits for the county rewarded the man who had grown up in Australia with an international call up. For England, against South Africa.

The news came as a shock to everyone, including then captain Michael Vaughan and Ian Botham, who branded Pattinson’s selection (after England had crumbled to a poor defeat) as ‘diabolical’ and ‘pathetic’.

I suppose everyone needs a scapegoat.

“Darren didn’t know about his selection until eight o’clock the night before,” said Pattinson.

“He drove to Leeds, didn’t meet anyone until breakfast, and the next thing you know, he was in.

“I dreamt of playing for Australia at a young age but I don’t think he dreamt of playing for England at a young age. It was different.”

The cricketing world seemed to unite to fling mud in Pattinson’s direction, all at a man who had simply been rewarded for excelling in domestic cricket with a call up to the England team.

“Darren (left) was thrown in at the deep end and was getting all the media thrown at him, saying it was a disgrace,” added Pattinson.

“It wasn’t his fault he was picked. He was there, he was performing, he was an in-form cricketer at the time and he had an English passport, which always helps.

“It would have been a different story if England had won, of course.”

There can be no doubt that Pattinson will be fired up ahead of the beginning of the series here at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, but his family’s relationship with English cricket is sure to fuel his desire further.

“Growing up I always had a soft spot for England in soccer,” said Pattinson.

“But definitely they’re my No. 1 enemy now. I think it’s all about picking your times and there’s no better time than an Ashes series to show that aggression.

“In the good teams, ten years ago, they backed themselves and played naturally. The true Australian way comes out. At 23, it’s a good age to take on the world.”

Part of the subsequent controversy and discussion over Pattinson’s selection hinged on the fact that his first class debut came only two years before stepping out onto the Headingley pitch with England.

“He always had that ability, but never really went forward at a young age,” said Pattinson.

“That’s one thing he taught me: that when you get your chances, to make the most of it – that’s one thing he probably regretted a little bit.”

Darren Pattinson’s career before becoming a professional cricketer found him tiling roofs, and he currently spends his days with greyhounds, owning a kennel outside Melbourne.

“It’s always been a passion of his,” James said. “He has gone from roof tiling to playing for England to now training greyhounds.”