Peter Siddle career in doubt following stress fracture

A large doubt has been cast over the Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle following the diagnosing of stress fractures in his back. Peter Siddle showcased a magnificent bowling performance in the first Test as by picking up 3/37 in the first innings. He was ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand with back spasm.

Cricket Australia’s physiotherapist David Beakley released an official statement on the fitness of the 31-year old. “Peter returned to Melbourne on Monday and had scans following the bout of back pain he suffered during the first Test in Wellington. Unfortunately, those scans have indicated a stress fracture in his lower back. He will now require a significant amount of time away from the game with a lengthy rehabilitation process.

“Whilst he is laid off with his current back injury, we will take the opportunity for Peter to have exploratory surgery on his left ankle to investigate and treat the cause of his ongoing ankle pain. Once that surgery is complete we will have a better idea of his prognosis and likely rehabilitation time frame.”

Peter Siddle has played 61 Tests for Australia and has established himself in the side having picked 200 wickets. The stress fracture saw him replaced by James Pattinson. Siddle will have to work extremely hard should he be in contention for selection in a side that has an abundance of fast bowlers.

Former Australian bowler Dennis Lillee also faced the prospect of retirement early on in his career due to stress fractures in his back. Lille however, defied the odds to make a comeback to cricket, becoming Australia’s most fearsome bowler. Siddle can take some solace in the success story of Dennis Lillee and work towards making a comeback to international cricket.

“It’s certainly a reflection on the depth of bowling,” Lehmann said of the No.1 ranking, regained after the win over New Zealand at Hagley Oval. “We’ve picked a side with the conditions in mind here, and we’ve got a fair few guys injured at the moment. That’s a good sign for us going forward when we start to get our full quality quicks to pick from. That will put pressure on them as well, coming back. They’ve got to perform to play. That’s a good thing for us going forward.