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Siddle wants to play

Siddle wants to play

01/19/2012 02:58:17 AM

Resurgent paceman Peter Siddle has no intention of standing aside if the Australian selectors opt to rotate the bowling attack for the fourth Test against India in Adelaide.

Siddle was left out of the line-up for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka in August and September, before returning to bag four wickets during the drawn third match in Colombo.

The 27-year-old was retained for the tour of South Africa in November and has steadily improved throughout the home series against New Zealand and India, taking 17 wickets in his last three Tests alone.

Six of those wickets arrived as Australia mauled India by an innings and 37 runs in Perth last week, earning the players some extra rest ahead of the series finale in Adelaide.

"It's always nice to finish up in just over two days," Siddle said.

"It's quite a surprise that we got it done so early and it's been good to get home and have a few relaxing days off."

With the likes of James Pattinson, Patrick Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson all sidelined by foot injuries this season, there has been some speculation Siddle could receive a well-earned rest during the dead rubber at the Adelaide Oval.

But if the man himself has any say, he will settle for nothing less than a place in Australia's attack come their first session in the field next week.

"Feeling good, body's great and looking forward to getting over to Adelaide," Siddle said.

"Any opportunity to play for Australia is a great honour and I definitely don't want to give my spot up to anyone else and let them have the opportunity."

"I've got to get over there first in Adelaide and see what they're thinking, what's on their mind," he added, referring to the backroom and medical staff.

"But at the moment, obviously, I want to play."

With limited-overs matches against India and Sri Lanka still to come, followed by a lengthy tour of the West Indies in March and April, it remains to be seen if Siddle will get his wish to remain in the side.

"I guess we've just got to work out what's going on for the future, whether that's the one-dayers or the West Indies and that type of thing to come," he said.

"My thoughts would definitely be to play."

Selection issues aside, Siddle and his team-mates remain focused on signing off with a series whitewash against an India team nursing their wounded pride.

"They're an experienced Test side, they're not going to come out and just make it easy for us," he said.

"They're going to be fighting and working hard to finish off here with a strong performance and show that they are a competitive side."

"We've started off well and to have (a) 3-0 (lead) now is a good achievement, obviously to get to Adelaide and finish off with another victory would be a great way forward as a team."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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