Australian bowler James Pattinson has an appetite for wickets - 8th January 2014

James Pattinson has urged cricket fans to dress up for Australia's one-day clash against England at the MCG. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

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AFTER injury cost him a spot in the Ashes series, Victorian cricketer James Pattinson is ready to pounce like a tiger at the MCG on Sunday.

With Australia's five-game one-day international series against England about to begin, the star paceman yesterday went to great lengths to encourage fans to get into the spirit and dress up.

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The bowler spent more than two hours being transformed into part tiger, part ODI star in an exclusive Herald Sun photo shoot.

James Pattinson spent more than two hours being transformed into a tiger. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

And he encouraged fans on Sunday to follow his lead.

"Last year it was fantastic seeing people dressed up as an animal like I am, or a super hero or cartoon character,'' he said.

"From a players point of view there is quite a lot of talk in the dressing rooms about the different costumes that people are wearing in the crowd. It doesn't go unnoticed.''

Body Art expert Eva Rinaldi puts the finishing touches on James Pattinson. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

Pattison said the costumes of Aussie fans in the stands could even be a secret weapon for the home team as it hopes to crush the old enemy in the short format of the game in the wake of its 5-0 Ashes win.

"If I saw someone dressed up like this in the crowd I would get an extra couple of yards in my bowling,'' he said.

Body Art expert Lynne Jamieson works on Victorian paceman James Pattinson. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

"I think a lot of the boys would be spurred on by it.

"Obviously it's a bit of fun. It's a long day at the cricket so you've got to jazz it up every now and then.

"A few beers and a little bit of tiger outfit would do the trick I think.''

New-look tiger James Pattinson is ready to pounce the Poms. Picture: David Caird Source: News Limited

While Super Mario, Colonel Sanders and Richie Benaud are popular dress-up choices, Pattinson suggested fans try channelling Australian coach Darren Lehmann.

"I reckon if there was a few Boof's in the crowd that would get a few laughs,'' he said.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au

(Herald Sun)