Peter Siddle’s form in the UK could put him back in Test frame

PACEMAN Peter Siddle has put his name back in front of Australian selectors with some bumper form in the UK.

PETER Siddle’s bumper English county season has rejuvenated the fast bowler’s short and long-term hopes of a stunning Test recall.

It’s been two years since Siddle wore the baggy green and at 33 years of age, it seemed almost certain the lion-hearted warrior had taken his last wicket for Australia.

However, Siddle has slapped down 34 scalps in just 11 innings for his UK side Essex at an imposing average of just 15.32 runs for each wicket taken.

They’re numbers which many believe demand Siddle be on the plane for next year’s Ashes tour of England, where Australia will need a wily master of the Duke’s ball to go head-to-head with England veteran James Anderson.

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But could Australia turn to the veteran even sooner?

Jhye Richardson shapes as Mitchell Starc’s likely fast bowling offsider for the two Test series against Pakistan in the UAE next month.

Peter Siddle in action for Essex against Surrey on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

But Australia will need a third seamer to travel as back-up and there is some noise around Siddle.

The leading contenders may well be Victorian Chris Tremain and Queenslander Michael Neser, but in the current environment, Siddle’s credentials simply can’t be ignored.

First and foremost, Siddle is a workhorse and a man capable of churning out enough overs to ensure prized commodity Starc doesn’t hit the wall before the summer even starts.

There is no Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood available for the Pakistan campaign.

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But on a deeper level still, Siddle is regarded as the consummate team man in a squad that was left broken a few months ago in South Africa. Even carrying the drinks Siddle could have a presence in camp.

Justin Langer is likely to blood several youngsters in a new-look team missing Steve Smith and David Warner. There will be a fresh vice-captain chosen from a very shallow pool of candidates.

Peter Siddle could be on track for a Test recall. Picture: AAP

Not so long ago Siddle was considered too old, but the landscape has changed and experience could be a significant factor.

Selectors won’t convene to pick their 15-man squad to take on Pakistan until after Australia A’s second four-day match against India A starting on Saturday.

Neser took four first innings wickets in the first match won by Australia A, and Tremain has an excellent Shield record. Both are deserved frontrunners for the last vacant spot in the attack.

Peter Siddle in Sheffield Shield action for Victoria. Picture: AAP

Batsman Usman Khawaja and spinner Jon Holland appear to have booked their Test berths.

Holland took six wickets against India A and feels confident in sub-continent conditions.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said.

“I think field placements (are important), you need to stay patient and just hit the stumps more often than not and hopefully something will happen in the wicket and put a bit of doubt in the batsman.”

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Originally published as Peter Siddle’s form in the UK could put him back in Test frame