Victoria coach Chris Rogers says Melbourne's months of COVID-19 restrictions, which finally ease on Friday, played a major role in the paceman's decision to retire from international cricket.

Rogers adds that Wednesday's announcement from Pattinson was no surprise to him.

"We've known for a little while," Rogers said.

"We've observed him closely over this pre-season - when you have a big, caged lion in the depths of winter in the indoor centre, trying to get motivated, you can sense that something's a little bit amiss.

"When you have that kind of personality, doing a pre-season is not what they want.

"Having really played no games for a long time, that's the thing that gets him out of bed - no doubt that's played a role as well.

"He just wants to get out on the park and we'll see a smiling James Pattinson again."

At his best, Pattinson was a nightmare for opposition batsmen and the 31-year-old snared 81 Test wickets at an average of 26.33.

But injuries restricted him to just 21 Tests in a decade.

Rogers doubted that Pattinson would reconsider and noted what former Australia player Michael Di Venuto said to him when he was considering his future.

"He said 'you'll know when you know' and I thought at the time, it was a bit of a silly line," Rogers said.

"But then there comes a moment when actually I think you do and I think that moment's come for Jimmy."

Rogers hopes giving away international commitments will free up Pattinson for Victoria.

He is recovering from a knee injury and will miss next week's opening Sheffield Shield match against NSW in Sydney.

Rogers said every time Pattinson plays for Victoria they improve dramatically as a side.

"Naturally, it's going to be really good for us, but we want the best for every one of our players and if that's his decision, he's been through so much in his career," Rogers said.

"He has to play in pain a lot of the time and that wears you down.

"You get a little bit older and your motivation starts to change - he'll be thinking about his family, his life after cricket and his body."

Rogers reflected fondly on Pattinson at his best as he recalled his opening spell in the 2013 Ashes series.

"It was like a caged lion being let loose - just so much energy," he said.

It is a similar feeling running through the Victoria squad as they prepare for their Shield opener next week after months without matches.

"It's a relief - it's been really interesting, we felt we were ready to go probably a month ago, if not before," Rogers said.

"The last month, it's been a bit of treading water.

"This probably hasn't come soon enough but they'll be ready to go."

Australian Associated Press