Peter Siddle was dropped from Australia’s Test side for the first time in two and a half years, with Darren Lehmann wanting the Victorian to bowl faster.
National selectors added James Pattinson to Australia’s pace battery for the series decider against South Africa in Cape Town, Lehmann admitting it was purely a matter of pace.
It is the first time since the tour of Sri Lanka in August, 2011 that Siddle has been left out of the Test side on form instead of fitness.
Australia coach Lehmann said the 29-year-old, who made his Test debut in 2008, still had a future in the team if he became a quicker bowler.
“It’s unlucky for Sidds because he’s done a great job for us over the last few Tests but we’ve gone for the extra pace,” Lehmann said of the first change to his pace attack since the start of the 2013-14 Ashes.
“He’d like some more wickets obviously but it’s the pace drop. We need him bowling 140km/h 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.”
Lehmann said Shaun Marsh was “very unlucky” to be dumped after one poor game, which followed a fantastic century in the opening Test that helped pilot Australia to victory in Centurion.
“It’s always tough. We had to make a choice and that’s the difficult job as selectors,” Lehmann said.
“We love to have (Shane Watson in as an allrounder so there are) five bowlers.
“At the start of the tour we were probably going to shape up as we have today.”
Steve
Guest
With respect to McGrath, he could still rely on bounce as opposed to pace, Siddle on the other hand if he is not bowling quick, he's nowhere. A bit of pork on the fork may help, but I'm afraid his tenure with the National side may be over!
Paul
Guest
When McGrath slowed from 140ish to 130-4 was it because he was eating more/less meat, or because he was ageing and working on a particular bowling style and technique? It's the same with Siddle, armchair critics and know it alls notwithstanding. Siddle has been the most consistent bowler in the Oz team over the past few years (which coincides with his much discussed diet). With Johnson destructive, the team needs Siddle at the other end. Dropping him is not a good move.
The Oracle
Guest
His change of diet appears to have coincided with a loss of muscle mass and a drop in pace. It may or may not be the reason, but it is easy to see why some may think his diet and lack of pace are related.
t-rex
Guest
Deadly serious. All empirical medical and philosophical evidence links successful fast bowling to regular and sustained flesh eating
Rellum
Roar Guru
Not sure if people are serious with the meat comments.
Dizzy Tangles
Guest
I read an article once saying the lack of meat in the Indian diet is why they are not known to produce great fast bowlers. Pakistanis , on the other hand , eat meat and have a history of producing quick bowlers
Magic
Guest
Even if he buys the local slaughterhouse, his competition isn't going to wait for him. Bad timing Sids.
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
Needs to bowl 140+ if he is not a swing bowler
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Cause thats his natural pace. Sids avg. pace used to be mid 140s. Siddle's potency is at 145k, Philander's always has been around 135+-
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
Have a steak Sids for Christ's sake! You used to bowl 140 -148 only 2 years ago
Relli
Guest
What about Philander, bowls much more slower than Siddle and is much more successful at the moment.
Rob JM
Guest
Warner met a woman who showed him how to apply himself! Siddle met a woman who him convinced him to become a weedy vegan. You win some you loose some.
pope paul v11
Guest
That's what you get fot getting Darren, Not enough half volleys and half trackers Pete. Still, history shows that a day and a half in the field is too much for most fielding teams. Patto going in on top.
Hendrix
Guest
That's what you get for turning vegan