Siddle signs two-year county contract

Australia and Victoria quick Peter Siddle will return to England next year after signing a two-year contract with county club Nottinghamshire.

Siddle played 11 first-class matches for Notts in 2014 before representing Lancashire in four games prior to the Ashes this winter.

The 30-year-old was Australia's star bowler in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval in August, but has since lost his place to NSW Blues quick Josh Hazlewood – the man he replaced in the consolation victory in London. 

WATCH: Siddle bags six at The Oval

But now the right-armer returns to Notts where he's taken 37 wickets for the club, and is excited by the playing group he'll be joining.

"I really enjoyed my time at Trent Bridge in 2014 and I can’t wait to come back," said Siddle, who will play four-day and 50-over cricket for the Division One outfit.

"Notts have had a strong batting line-up for a long time and - with some young bowlers also coming through - I’m excited by the way the squad is shaping up ahead of the new season."

Notinghamshire Director of Cricket, Mick Newell, says Siddle's probing line and length suits English conditions down to the ground, and expects big things from his overseas pro.

"Peter brings high quality quick bowling and is a good fellow who fits in well with the team," said Newell. “He will provide leadership to our young bowling attack.

"If you look at the Ashes, he had some success at the Oval and Australia might regret not playing him in some of the earlier matches.

"He’s very much suited to English conditions and we’re certainly hoping to get the best out of him for the next couple of seasons."

Siddle has played 57 Tests in the Baggy Green for Australia and is only two wickets shy of reaching 200 Test scalps.