Peter Siddle is using the second coming of Mitchell Johnson as inspiration in his own quest for a Test recall.
Johnson was named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2009, but injuries and fatigue proceeded to cut the left-armer’s confidence and curtail his express pace.
Over the past nine months, Johnson claimed the mantle of world’s most intimidating bowler by humbling England and South Africa’s batsmen.
It was an evocative performance, and one still fresh in the mind of Siddle when he returned home to Melbourne at Cricket Australia’s request.
“He had about three and a half years of non-stop cricket and he started to fade away a little bit with his pace,” said Siddle, who was dropped for the series decider against the Proteas in March due to a dip in his bowling speeds.
“That was only 18 months ago, now he’s bowling the fastest he’s ever bowled.
“He was unbelievable and … he’s a great example.
“He’s one of my good mates. I’ve played a lot of cricket with him and you can get inspired by things like that.”
A hectic schedule has provided limited respite over the past two and a half years for Siddle.
The 29-year-old recently cut short a stint with county club Nottinghamshire to undertake a block of pre-season training in Australia.
The end goal is an increase in strength that will empower the paceman to send the ball down at 140 km/h come October when Australia clashes with Pakistan in a two-Test series.
Siddle feels he’s already well on that path.
“I noticed changes, even in England, with little things I picked up and might of started to change a little bit,” he said on Wednesday.
“Since South Africa I’ve already put on two and a half kilograms.
“It’s not about bench pressing 200kg; as a bowler it’s a strong bum and strong legs.”
And not – despite the popular perception – steak.
“It’s a bit ridiculous (the scrutiny of Siddle’s vegan diet) … it’s just the fatigue, it gets everyone,” he said.
“Kemar Roach, he’s not bowling as fast as he used to. Is he still eating meat?
“Stuart Broad and James Anderson aren’t as quick as they once were.
“It happens.
“You could probably go through 150 different Test bowlers that have slowed down in pace because they’ve played a lot of cricket.”
Siddle added that he was never going to sook about running drinks in Cape Town, as a thrilling series came to a dramatic climax.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
Check out some of the short-arm pull shots from Rocky Flintoff!
Harshal Patel was not a happy man!
David Lord has been remembered as an icon of Australian sports journalism following his death, aged 84. The renowned writer and broadcaster was an…
Sign the man up for a contract next season!
RCB have suffered a massive HEAD-ACHE after Travis Head smashed the fastest century by an SRH player in just 39 balls, as they amassed…
A brutal century by Travis Head has blasted Sunrisers Hyderabad back into the Indian Premier League play-off places in another match for bowlers to…
