Siddle playing for his Test spot in Hobart

Senior paceman Peter Siddle said on Sunday he was playing for his place in a rejigged Australian attack at this week’s first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.

Siddle has overcome back trouble suffered in Australia’s day-night Test win in Adelaide over New Zealand last weekend.

Australia need the 58-Test seamer’s experience in their pace attack now without leading lights Mitchell Starc (foot) and Mitchell Johnson (retirement) against the West Indies. But Siddle admitted he had to produce in Hobart to remain in Test contention after being passed over for the first two Tests against the Kiwis.

Siddle claimed his 200th Test wicket in the historic Adelaide day-night Test, but has been in and out of the team over the past 12 months.

Australian selectors’ new policy to opt for bowlers bowling at speeds of above 140kph (87 mph) have complicated things for Siddle.

West Australian quick Nathan CoulterNile was picked in the Test squad for Hobart despite not playing a four-day game since March.

“Essentially I am playing for my place,” Siddle told reporters. “Being out of the side for so long and having a couple of games here and there makes you feel like that.”

“I have to get out there and perform well, get the body right.”

But the 31-year-old seamer said a chat with Test great Glenn Mcgrath has convinced him he still has a future despite Australian selectors’ new pace policy. Siddle said he had been encouraged by keeping in touch with Mcgrath, who captured 563 Test wickets despite rarely bowling above the 130kph zone. Siddle said Adelaide’s man of the match Josh Hazlewood had also reminded him that lacking blistering speed was “not a big deal”.