Hohns offers Siddle lifeline
National selection panel chairman Trevor Hohns has told Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle he isn’t done yet at international level as far as he is concerned.
Injuries have plagued Siddle and the emergence of a number of other fast bowlers means competition for places in Australia’s Test lineup is now fiercer than ever for quicks.
While Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are the front runners for Ashes places Jackson Bird has done little wrong in a Baggy Green cap and James Pattinson has been tearing up the County Championship with blistering pace, while Nathan Coulter-Nile has excelled in the IPL.
Pattinson is in England with Nottinghamshire as a replacement for the injured Siddle.
Siddle revealed that the chairman was positive about his future having spoken to the quick about the decision not to keep him on a central contract with Cricket Australia.
Speaking on Fox Sports Siddle said: “I had that little inkling coming into the announcement that I was probably going to miss (out on a contract).
“I got the phone call from the chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns a couple of days before to let me know. As sad and annoying as it is, I had a feeling it was going to happen.
“At the end of the day, (Hohns) explained the reasoning, which I pretty much knew anyway.
“For me, my question was, ‘Does this put a line through my name or am I still going to be thought about.’
“The good news back was, ‘Age is no factor with you.’
“‘It’s just a matter of getting fit, getting back on the park, play some games for Victoria and we’ll see where you’re at.’
“I know personally that’s what I’ve got to do, get 100 per cent right and get the body going.”
Siddle meanwhile also doesn’t feel his Test career is over just yet and is committed to working hard to get back into the team.
He added: “I don’t feel it is. I’ll take (Hohns’) word for it – whether he’s telling the truth, I hope he was for my sake!
“It’s going to be tough, 100 per cent.
“There’s young guys coming through, they’re performing well but I think one thing on my side is my record.
“The skills and stuff I’ve done in big series against sides like England and South Africa are going to back me up.
“I’ve just got to get 100 per cent fit. I’m confident in my skill set and what I can do once I get out on the park.
“I’ve just got to get on the park.
“Fingers crossed I’ve got a lot more cricket to play for Australia.”
Latest
-
NewsAli Orr helps Sussex to five-wicket win over Derbyshire
The 21-year-old opener was helped by partners Tom Alsop and Mohammad Rizwan.
-
NewsIssy Wong living the dream as late wickets boost England against South Africa
The 20-year-old fast bowler made an impact on a rain-affected day three at Taunton.
-
NewsEngland frustrated by the weather on third day of South Africa Test
South Africa were 51 for three at the close of play.
-
-
NewsJames Anderson: England’s new-found confidence unlike anything I’ve seen before
Anderson first played for his country in 2002 and has lived through more than his fair share of new eras, reboots and fresh starts.
-
NewsEngland paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
NewsAndrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
NewsAndrew Gale will not engage with ECB disciplinary process over racism claims
Gale was sacked by Yorkshire last year but earlier this month won an unfair dismissal claim against the club.
-
NewsMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
NewsSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.