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.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Siddle has been a very good bowler for Australia. Very reliable when most of the other bowlers were breaking down regularly. But he doesn't do enough with the ball to be a wicket taking force at slower pace. McGrath was still a great bowler when he slowed down because he was very accurate and got just enough movement. Lets hope he can get back up to speed as we still need him, especially with Harris on the sidelines.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Yeah agree Nudge, always liked Sids. He just always seemed to be the one there getting the job done, and I hope he can get it done for a few more years at least. He's a great role model to our young blokes too.
Nudge
Guest
Lets hope he can get back up to that early 140 mark and get another couple of years out of him. Very underestimated bowler who has done a great job for Australia over the past 7 years or so