Australian speedster Peter Siddle inks deal with English county champions Essex

Veteran Australian seamer Peter Siddle has signed a new contract that will see him feature in the upcoming English county championship. The 33-year-old will be joining Essex on a short-term contract. Siddle will be available for the first five games of the 2018 campaign for the southerners as they look to defend their County Championship title.

Siddle has earlier successfully plied his trade in England for Lancashire and Nottinghamshire, but left in March last year because of a back injury. He also played a clinical role in guiding Adelaide Strikers to BBL 7 title after registering figures of 3-17 in the finals.

The ‘Sid Vicious’, who took 211 Test wickets in 62 appearances for Australia, however, has been limited to sporadic appearances and has not featured for his country since 2016. He has also played 17 one-day and two T20Is in his national outfit. Prior to this winter, Siddle had played in every Ashes series since 2006-07.

Speaking of his new endeavor, Siddle was quoted saying to the Essex website, “I’ve enjoyed my previous experiences of county cricket and can’t wait to get underway at Chelmsford.” He added, “I have heard very good things about the club and the quality of the playing squad and look forward to contributing strongly towards the title defense during the first few weeks of the season.”

Adam Zampa signs for Essex too

Essex has also acquired the services of Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa for the T20 Blast tournament. He is due to join from July 1 and will be available for Finals Day in September should Essex progress. The 25-year-old had previously played in the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash and has represented his country in 13 T20 internationals and 31 ODIs.

Thus, with umpteen experience under his belt, Zampa brings in a wealth experience in the shorter format and will be a pivotal addition to the Essex squad.

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