'Huge loss': Peter Siddle announces retirement from international cricket
Australian fast bowling great Peter Siddle has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Siddle, the 12th man for the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and part of the Ashes squad earlier in 2019, announced the decision before play commenced on day four.
Speaking on Channel 7 after the news broke, Siddle’s former teammate Simon Katich praised the hardworking fast bowler.
Breaking: Peter Siddle has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Simon Katich: "He's had a fantastic career for Australia, he's much loved by his teammates and they'll miss him around the group." pic.twitter.com/ktUVdgonsc— #7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 28, 2019
“He’s had a fantastic career, he’s much loved by his teammates,” Katich said.
“They’ll miss him around the group.
“That’s why Justin Langer has had him around this young Australian group over the last couple of years, he’s been fantastic with his energy and what he brings to the group with his experience.”
Siddle expected to hold press conference
Siddle is expected to hold a press conference on Sunday to announce the decision after informing Australian team management of the call.
One of the national side's hardest toilers over the past decade, Siddle made his Test debut in 2008 and his 221 wickets are the 13th most by an Australian.
He remains our last bowler to take a Test hat trick, famously achieving the feat on his birthday during the 2010-11 Ashes at the Gabba.
The Victorian was part of Australia's 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England and often led the Aussie attack in times of great change.
He still played a role in this year's Ashes success, taking seven wickets in three Tests.
The 35-year-old harboured ambitions of playing Test cricket again after being overlooked at the start of the summer and was called into Australia's extended squad for the Boxing Day Test.
However he was released back to Big Bash duties after the Aussies opted to go with James Pattinson in their XI and has made the decision to retire shortly after.
The call also ends Siddle's international white-ball career, where he played 20 ODIs and two T20s for Australia.
He will continue to play out the season for Victoria and the Adelaide Strikers.
Social media immediately lit up with tributes to the jovial seamer.
Thank you Peter Siddle. Always gave his best. Over 200 test wickets. And this epic moment #Siddle #AUSvNZ https://t.co/mW5Qmx4Z4A
— Matt (@Mattys123) December 28, 2019
Was lucky enough to cover two test tours where Peter Siddle was a member of the squad. Always had time to say g’day to teammates, opposition, fans and media. Lovely bloke. You could see why various Aussie captains loved having him in their teams.
— Ed Jackson (@edjacko) December 28, 2019
Peter Siddle has announced his retirement from international cricket. A very good career. He seems to have been around a long time.
— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) December 28, 2019
Peter Siddle strikes me as one of those model professional sportsmen who put every skerrick of talent to use. Well done on a great career. #AUSvNZ
— Chris (@cweaver1983) December 28, 2019
#PeterSiddle A huge loss to Australian cricket. No one had a bigger heart, the go to man, captains must have loved Pete when times seemed hopeless - a word Peter Siddle wouldn't accept. Thanks mate, you excited fans worldwide 🏏
— Deactivation pending (@askmarkWillo) December 28, 2019
WITH AAP
