Pattinson's Injury Gives Siddle Glimpse Of Recall

Adam Collins reveals how one fast bowler’s misfortune could offer his great mate the chance of a sixth Ashes series

- Adam Collins

It’s official: there will be no FabFour this Australian summer after all. With James Pattinson forced into an indefinite break after aggravating a back stress fracture, speed enthusiasts will have to keep waiting to see a quartet that includes the Victorian alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins all fit for selection in the same Test XI.

But the bleak news for the rapid right-armer could reopen a door for his great mate Peter Siddle, who has returned to the game during the week after a stress fracture of his own, hitting stumps and turning heads at what might be the perfect time ahead of the Ashes.

Speaking to The Cricket Paper following an impressive shift of 3-27 from ten overs in a limited-overs victory of Tasmania, Siddle says he’s satisfied his first goal of getting back to the bowling crease. It included an emphatic reminder of the 211 Test-wicket veteran’s class, jagging through former international Alex Doolan’s gate and splaying his stumps.

“They are the ones you want to see as a fast bowler,” Siddle acknowledged. “It’s just great to be out on the park. I’m usually pretty calm and relaxed. But definitely this time around coming back I was just a lot more nervous. More just making sure I got through the game.”

The pair of state fixtures were Siddle’s first professional starts since going down at Perth last November in the first Test of that home season. Then, the Australian team physiotherapist noted the seamer was underdone going into the contest. But reflecting on the episode, Siddle is reluctant to blame anyone but himself for the mis-step.