Published: Oct 22, 2016, 03:38 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 22, 2016, 03:40 PM (IST)
Johannesburg [South Africa]: Australian pacer Peter Siddle could be in line for a return to the national squad for the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa, according to wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade. Having just returned from ankle and back surgeries, Siddle himself believes he would not be ready for the first match against the Proteas, which will be played at the WACA in Perth from November 3. Wade, on the other hand, felt that the 31-year-old is up for the task after showcasing a terrific performance in the Matador One-Day Cup. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs South Africa, 1st Test at Perth
Siddle is also likely to play one Sheffield Shield match for Victoria and Wade reckons the former is bowling well enough to be recalled in the national squad. “He’ll play the Shield game for us, hopefully, and hopefully play the first Test to be honest. I think that’ll be his lead-in. If he gets through the Shield game, I think he’ll be available for the first Test,” Wade was quoted, as saying by Sport24. Insisting that Siddle is keen to play the Shield match, Wade said that he hopes the Australian medical staff gives the go-ahead to him.
“Hopefully we hear a final answer on that, but I think it’s pretty close to being ticked off,” he added. Siddle, who retained his contract with Cricket Australia in April, suffered a stress fracture during his side’s tour to New Zealand in February after which he also underwent an ankle surgery. The injury saw him miss most of the New Zealand tour and also ruled him out of the tour to Sri Lanka, thus casting some doubt over his future in a baggy green.
With Siddle ruling out his chances to return at the moment, Jackson Bird appeared to be the standout candidate to partner quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood at the WACA.
