BBL franchise Adelaide Strikers confirm signing Peter Siddle

Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Adelaide Strikers earlier today announced the confirmation of a deal with veteran Aussie pacer Peter Siddle for the upcoming seventh edition of BBL. Siddle has earlier featured in seven games across two seasons (BBL 4 and BBL 5) for Melbourne Renegades. However, the 32-year-old missed the entire previous edition owing to back injury.

His addition to the squad will provide the franchise with a wealth of experience to their already impressive fast bowling roster. The Strikers bowling attack includes the like of Cricket Australia-contracted Billy Stanlake and BBL’s all-time leading wicket-taker Ben Laughlin amongst others. The Adelaide Strikers had earlier also secured the services of South African all-rounder Colin Ingram.

Head coach Jason Gillespie upbeat on Siddle’s addition to the squad

Talking about the phase of his career that was marred with injuries Siddle said, “Just getting back out playing, that’s the thing I’ve missed so much. The injury has been tough, but I think that time off might have just given me a new lease of life and some longevity at the back-end of my career,” he told cricbuzz.

“Getting those early games in for Victoria at the start of the season and then getting over into the Big Bash for the Strikers will hopefully propel me up the ranks and get me back into the Australian side,” the pacer added.

Siddle will link up with former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie in the Adelaide setup. Gillespie, who is the club’s head coach, has shown belief and trust in the seamer and feels they’ve got a great coup in Siddle as he adds considerable depth. Although the right-arm fast bowler doesn’t have a lot of T20 experience under his belt, the legend feels that his experience will play a crucial role in the team’s success. Siddle has got the transferable skills and his presence around the team is something that is irreplaceable to the Adelaide gaffer.

Current squad

Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Colin Ingram (overseas)