(UTV|COLOMBO) – Australia quick Peter Siddle has announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Test series against New Zealand.
Siddle, 35, told his teammates of his decision ahead of day four of the Melbourne Test on Sunday, 29 December. While he had been in the squad for the Test series, he did not make the XI and was released to play in the Big Bash League last week.
Thus, the Oval Test against England in the 2019 Ashes, which he helped Australia retain, was his last.
Siddle retires as one of Australia’s red-ball greats, with 221 wickets in 67 Tests at an average of 30.66. Overall, he claimed 241 scalps in 89 international appearances across formats.
Justin Langer, the Australia head coach, described Siddle as a perfect team player. “He is an unbelievable bloke and an extremely good cricketer,” he said. “He is everything of what a team player is. He has given his heart and soul to the Australian team and the game of cricket.
“We’ll always be thankful to him for what he’s given to the national team, and for the critical role he played in helping us retain the Ashes in England this year. He’s going out when he’s still playing well which, in a perfect world, is something every athlete wants to do.”
Tim Paine, the Australia Test skipper, was also all praise for Siddle, hailing him as the “heart and soul” of the Australian side. “Sids has been the heart and soul of the team for a long time,” Paine said. “He has a massive heart and is a fantastic bowler. He’ll be very much missed around the group. He’s been unbelievably good for our younger fast bowlers over the last 18 months and been a great support for me during that time, as well.” (NR)
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