Siddle has faith in form for first Test

Fast bowler Peter Siddle believes he will still have enough opportunity to press his claims for the Commonwealth Bank Test series against New Zealand despite not featuring in the ongoing Matador BBQs One-Day Cup.

Siddle has been kept on the sidelines in Victoria’s opening five matches of the Sydney-based tournament with the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers favouring a pace attack of James Pattinson, John Hastings and Scott Boland.

The Test quick was on Friday named in the Prime Minister’s XI and Cricket Australia XI to take on the Black Caps in a day-night match with the pink ball at Manuka Oval this Friday, followed by a two-day match at the same venue in Canberra starting Saturday.

The 30-year-old faces a battle to retain his place in the Test XI with Josh Hazlewood pushing for a return to the side after his omission with a minor injury ‘niggle’ for the fifth Ashes Test on the failed Qantas Tour of the British Isles.

"It's a good opportunity for me to play some cricket,” Siddle told cricket.com.au in Sydney.

“The past six months it's been a bit tough carrying a lot of drinks and not playing much. 

“The PM's XI has always been a big part of the Australian summer, so I'm look forward to being a part of it for the first time and hopefully have a first little crack at the New Zealanders.” 

Watch: Siddle's six wickets in Test comeback

While most of the Test hopefuls pushing their case for a Test spot are banking on big hundreds or bags of wickets, Siddle doesn’t believe the scorecard will necessarily decide his fate when the National Selection Panel name a final XI on the morning of November 5.

"The England tour is probably a good example of that,” Siddle said.

“I felt I was bowling well with good rhythm and felt strong at the crease, I just couldn’t get those wickets.

“I think it showed once I got my chance that I could produce on the day.

“Stepping up to a Test match is a different standard, so you always rise to the occasion.

The Prime Minister’s XI clash will be Siddle’s first experience with the much talked about pink Kookaburra ball ahead of the historic day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval later next month.

It will be somewhat of a trial run for Siddle before getting another opportunity in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield season to be played under lights from October 28-31.

"It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out,” Siddle said.

“I can’t talk too much about it yet without having a crack at it.

“I think after this game I'll get a feel for it and see how it holds up and goes throughout the innings.

"Teams have spoken differently about the ball and how it's held up and how it's played.

“It's just a matter of witnessing it for yourself firsthand and seeing how it goes.

“The changeover in light is going to be the big part in the game where you're going to need to get used to it.

“So until I experience that, I'll just have to wait and see.” 

Watch: Siddle primed for another opportunity

With a new-look Australian side taking on a Black Caps line-up featuring the likes of Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, cricket fans could be treated to the resumption of one of the game’s greatest rivalries.

“It's always been a tough contest,” Siddle said. “It was last time they were out here and it will be no different here.

“They've improved a lot. They've got an exciting bowling line-up and they've got some exciting batters.

“We've got to be switched on and we've got to be ready.

"It was obviously disappointing not to get over to Bangladesh, but I think the boys have come back and got into the Matador Cup and everyone is preparing well and feeling good.

“It's going to be a good contest.”