Peter Siddle shocked at omission from 1st Test between Australia and New Zealand at Gabba

Johannesburg: Australia pace bowler Peter Siddle has admitted that he was shocked to have been omitted from the series- opening Test against New Zealand despite making a roaring return to the national squad in the Ashes last match. The veteran pacer, who played a vital role in Australia’s win in The Oval, was overlooked for the Brisbane Test in favour of Josh Hazlewood. Reflecting on his omission, Siddle said that it was always disappointing to miss out on a place especially after performing well in the Ashes, Sport24 reported. The 30-year-old, however, said that he was happy with his progress and that he would just have to be ready when the opportunity comes. SCORECARD: Australia vs New Zealand 2015, 1st Test at Brisbane

The first Test at Brisbane commenced on Thursday with Australia winning the toss and electing to bat. David Warner and Joe Burns gave a flying start to the Australians with a 161-run partnership before Burns got dismissed in the 39th over of Tim Southee’s delivery. He scored 71 from 120 balls and his innings was inclusive with 12 boundaries. Meanwhile, Warner who has just returned after recovering from a thumb fracture went on to convert his good start into a fantastic 163 before Ross Taylor sent him back to the pavilion with a superb catch at the slip. After his wicket, Usman Khawaja took the charge and scored his first Test century. he remained unbeaten with skipper Steven Smith at stumps of Day 1. While Khawja was on 102 from 133 balls, Smith was on 41 from 54 deliveries. READ: Warner and Khawaja hit hundreds as Australia end on 489/2 at stumps on Day 1of 1st Test

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The second Test will be played in Perth before the Trans-Tasman rivals play against each other in Test cricket’s first day-night fixture in Adelaide.