Australian speedster Peter Siddle is ready to mark his return in the ODI team as Australia have announced their playing XI for the first ODI against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Alex Carey is set to open the batting alongside skipper Aaron Finch in Australia’s new-look ODI that also sees Usman Khawaja being drafted into the XI.
Having been picked in the playing XI for the ODI opener, Siddle is set to break the previous record of the biggest gap between consecutive matches for Australia of six years and 282 days by Tim Zoehrer between 1986 and 1994. Siddle last donned the Australian yellow and green jersey on November 9, 2010 against Sri Lanka. Coincidently, his return will be at the same venue where he played his last ODI.
“With those World Cup spots up for grabs for a lot of people, you definitely see the best come of a lot of blokes,” Siddle said as the team composition was announced on the eve of the 1st One-Day International in Sydney. “You are playing against one of the best one-day teams in the world.
Australia are looking to get into the World Cup frame as they face potentially the title favourites India at home. Although David Warner and Steve Smith are still out, Siddle believes this is the opportunity for the hosts to test out a few options.
“We may not be at full strength, missing a few players we’d probably like to have for the World Cup, but at the same time it’s opportunities. I never thought i’d get the opportunity to play one-day cricket for Australia again. I’d probably forgotten about it really … I feel like a young kid getting his first opportunity”, the Victorian added.
Siddle will be performing the fast bowling duties along with Jhye Richardson and debutant Jason Behrendorff. Nathan Lyon is the sole spinner in the squad and will be assisted by all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
Australian XI: Alex Carey, Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson.