Peter Siddle says his Sheffield Shield figures support a farewell Boxing Day Test that buries Ashes demons
Australian paceman Peter Siddle has unfinished business and is desperate for a Boxing Day farewell against New Zealand, as a replacement for injured quick Josh Hazlewood.
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Peter Siddle is targeting a Boxing Day Test lifeline after Australia’s ‘disappointing’ Ashes result at The Oval loomed as the veteran’s last stop in the baggy green.
And, Siddle predicts the escalation of a bouncer war against New Zealand on a controversial MCG pitch with extra grass cover.
Siddle, curtailed by a hip flexor injury, struggled for match figures of 2-113 when preferred to Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson in the fifth Ashes Test England won in September to square the series 2-2.
“Hopefully I get another chance, see how we go. I am just excited to be around the group,” 67-Test stalwart Siddle told The Advertiser.
“That was the disappointing thing about it, if that was going to be my last game.
“You probably want to give yourself every chance to put in a performance and if you don’t that is your fault.
“This is my last chance at it.
“I definitely feel like I am bowling better than I was.
“I am feeling good and if selection comes my way I will be over the moon.”
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Legspin legend Shane Warne says it would be a ‘backward step’ to select Siddle in the second Test, but the 35-year-old’s figures stack up this season, particularly at the MCG.
Siddle has snared 12 wickets at 15 in Melbourne and 18 overall through 11 first-class innings this season.
He demanded inclusion replacing injured Josh Hazlewood in a 13-man Test squad for Melbourne.
“I probably couldn’t have done much more for the Vics, taken wickets and bowled well at the G,” said Siddle, who has 221 Test wickets and requires eight to edge Ray Lindwall from 12th on Australia’s all-time tally.
“I have to go in and prepare and see what happens.”
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The MCG pitch has fluctuated between docile last year when India visited, and dangerous. Victoria’s clash against Western Australia was abandoned this month.
Siddle noted curator Matt Page’s reconfigured drop in pitches had sported enough grass cover and carry to have Mitch Starc and Pat Cummins primed for a 150km/h short pitched assault against Kane Williamson’s No. 2 ranked Kiwis.
“The likes of Starcy and Patto will be licking their lips at a faster MCG wicket,” said Siddle with 26 Test wickets at 24 in Melbourne.
“The MCG pitch has had some bounce in it, not as fast as Perth Stadium, but you could build some pressure.
“No doubt with a little bit more grass on the wicket it could generate some pace as well.”
Siddle will compete for a game with fellow Victorian Pattinson who has 10 of 14 wickets at the MCG this season and Michael Neser if Australia doesn’t drop batsmen Matthew Wade or Travis Head.
Siddle has Australian coach Justin Langer in his corner, while chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns noted the seamer’s ‘exceptional MCG knowledge’.
A five-man attack with Pattinson recalled and Neser or Siddle filling Hazlewood’s control role would ease workload concerns.
“Ness and me are the like for likes for Josh and that has been my role over the last couple of years,” said Siddle, who will front for Adelaide Strikers against Sydney Thunder in Canberra on Saturday before joining the Australian camp.
“Patto has a great record at the MCG as well, it is a great back up to have those options around the group.”
richard.earle@news.com.au