Former Australia seamer Peter Siddle joins Somerset

Former Australian paceman Peter Siddle will play for Somerset in the 2022 season, joining compatriot Matthew Renshaw at Taunton, the county club announced on Friday (January 21).

The 37-year-old has county experience at Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Essex and will be available for Somerset in all formats of the game until at least the end of August. Siddle played 67 Tests for Australia, taking 221 wickets. He also played 20 One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals.

"I've had some good games against Somerset over the years and now I'm looking forward to contributing to some wins for them," he said. "I enjoy playing in England and I would love to be able to play a part in Somerset winning some silverware, especially their first ever County Championship."

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: "Peter will bring a huge amount to Somerset, both on and off the field. He is performing consistently at the very highest level, and the experience that he will be able to share both on the field and within the changing room will be priceless.

"He has proved that he can excel in English conditions and his genuine will to win will enhance our already outstanding attack and our ability to keep putting opposition batters under real pressure. With a very busy international schedule and anticipated call ups, we needed to recruit an additional highly skilled bowler who is ready to perform this coming summer."

Somerset earlier this week announced the return of Renshaw, who has played 11 Tests for Australia. The 25-year-old left-hander had a previous spell with the club in 2018.

(With inputs from AFP)