SIDDLE SIZING UP ASHES SPOT
PETER Siddle is determined to put his name back in front of Australian selectors as he holds on to hopes of another Ashes fairytale.
The ever- reliable rock behind Australia’s famous whitewash of England four years ago, Siddle ( pictured) knows he will start behind Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the pecking order for the first Test at the Gabba.
However, a strong return from a full year out with what many thought could be a career- ending back injury has team man Siddle believing he can prove to selectors that he should be next cab off the rank for the upcoming Ashes campaign.
Siddle, 32, yesterday took 2- 20 from his 10 overs at the tiny Hurstville Oval in an economical bowling performance that, along with Peter Handscomb’s timely century, piloted Victoria to a comfortable win over the Cricket Australia XI.
Siddle’s first goal is to get through this one- day tournament and play Sheffield Shield matches without any bowling restrictions, but the 211- wicket Test warrior is hunting one last taste of Ashes glory.
“I want to get through some cricket here and get my name up in front of their ( selectors’) faces and you never know, hopefully I get an opportunity throughout the series,” Siddle said.
“One hundred per cent ( I’d love to be next cab off the rank). It’s not something I’m focused solely on at the moment but that was always part of the plan, finishing up and pulling the pin on my season last year.
“I missed 12 months of cricket. It’s just about getting through Shield cricket for Victoria unrestricted. Along the way I still want to be bowling well and impressing people and still definitely want to take part in the Ashes, but the first goal is to get back and play some full four- day cricket and see how the body handles it.”
Siddle broke down just one Test into last summer and many thought that might have been the end of him.
However, he believes 12 months of no pressure to rush back has rejuvenated his body.
“I haven’t had to rush anything,” he said. “I’m feeling good.”