Fast bowler returns to England to push Test claims ahead of 2015 Ashes series
Siddle, Harvey return to county cricket
Peter Siddle will be pushing for an Ashes recall when he takes to the field for English county Division Two club Lancashire this season.
Siddle has taken 37 wickets in 10 Ashes Tests in the United Kingdom across two tours, but is yet to taste a series victory.
The Victorian was part of the Australian 5-0 Ashes whitewash team in 2013-14, but has since lost his place in the Test side.
The 30-year-old is not a foreigner to the county circuit having played with Nottinghamshire last year alongside former Australia opener Phil Jaques and Ashes rival Stuart Broad.
"I enjoyed my time in England last season with Nottinghamshire and when I heard of Lancashire's interest I had no hesitation in speaking with Ashley," Siddle said.
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Harvey in action for Gloucs in 2003 // Getty Images
Also returning the county scene is former Australia allrounder Ian Harvey.
Veteran of 73 one-day internationals and winner of the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Harvey has been appointed by Gloucestershire as assistant head coach.
Harvey is considered a club legend, having won six one-day titles between 1999 and 2003, and he says he's excited to return to a club that is eyeing promotion.
“We are past rebuilding now, we have a lot of senior players here who’ve played a lot of cricket and it’s up to us as coaches to get the best out of these lads,” he said. “If we do then trophies and promotion aren’t out of the question.”
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Harvey during the 2003 Cricket World Cup // Getty Images
Joining the Australian duo is New Zealand allrounder Grant Elliot, who has signed with Leicestershire for part of the 2015 county season.
Elliot will play in the domestic T20 competition for a minimum of 10 games, with the possibility of more depending on Black Caps selection.
"I'm really excited to be a Fox this season and make some valuable contributions with both bat and ball," Elliot said on Leicestershire's website.
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