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In an era of injury prone Australian fast bowling stocks, it seems inconceivable the fittest and most durable member is facing the selection axe.
But that’s the reality for the pace-challenged Peter Siddle, with his captain seeking strike power from the frontline fast men in a bowling line-up bolstered by Mitchell Marsh’s steady seam support.
Skipper Michael Clarke and replacement Brad Haddin sent Siddle a clear message during Australia’s final day quest for Indian wickets in Adelaide, largely ignoring the veteran of 56 Tests and his medium paced in-swingers.
He was asked to bowl just nine overs – including three two-over spells in the closing 60 overs.
An expensive first innings return set up Siddle’s demise with India’s wristy top order milking the struggling workhorse at near five runs an over, continuing a mostly horrid 2014 featuring only nine wickets in his last five Tests at 67.
Questions of diminishing pace are nothing new for the highly respected Siddle, whose Test career began unravelling last February in South Africa.
After forming the perfect foil for the destructive Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris during Australia’s Ashes whitewash, the Victorian was mauled by South Africa in the opening two Tests returning five wickets at 54 runs apiece and conceding an average of 3.3 runs per over – well above the miserly 2.5 against England.
The pace and wicket taking power of James Pattinson replaced Siddle for the final Test in Cape Town with Darren Lehmann reasoning, “We need him bowling 140kph and at the moment he’s averaging 131, 132. He knows that, we’ve spoken to him and I’m sure he will be back bigger and stronger.”
The coach was partially right, Siddle making it back via the UAE’s fast bowling graveyard for Australia’s demoralising series loss to Pakistan.
But he certainly wasn’t quicker and definitely not bigger, his vegan diet morphing him even closer to former Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti.
And befitting the image, there’s little doubt if asked, Siddle would pin a race bib to his Test shirt and charge in from both ends all day and still nudge 130kph in the 90th over.
Selectors must realise the sacrifices Siddle has made to prop up Australia’s attack in times of need when others have crumbled at the thought of back-to-back Tests.
But a big heart is no guarantee of Test success as modern fast bowling great Jason Gillespie can attest. Like Siddle, the ageing star lost pace and wicket taking prowess during the 2005 Ashes series and eventually captain Ricky Ponting’s confidence, enough to kick start a rapid closure to a long and distinguished Test career.
So with Josh Hazelwood waiting in the wings, the upcoming Gabba Test is the perfect venue for the tall New South Welshman to debut in Siddle’s place, on a deck where he will ask the highly skilled Indians more questions with extra pace and bounce.
As for Peter Siddle, a plate of steaks may halt his vanishing act and return the former woodchopper’s upper body bulk for a welcomed fast bowling revival, with longevity still a concern among Australia’s fast bowling candidates.
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