Pakistan vs Australia: Pacer Peter Siddle added to T20I squad
What's the story
Australian senior bowler Peter Siddle, who made a return to the Australian Test fold after two long years, has now booked himself a spot in the T20I squad. This comes after the selectors were concerned about the fitness of fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Siddle has been impressive and gave a quality account of himself in the first Test against Pakistan.
Surprise
Surprise break for Siddle into the T20I format
Siddle has represented Australia in only two T20Is in his career. The last T20I, Siddle played for Australia came 8 years ago. He comes in to the fore after Starc picked up an injury in the ongoing Test match. Australia are scheduled to play one T20I against the UAE, before squaring up against Pakistan in the three-match series.
Injury
Starc once again bothered by injury; Aussies wary
Starc faced some tightness in his hamstring during the second Test against Pakistan. He didn't bowl at all in the final session of Day 2 after bowling only 24 deliveries in the second innings. Aaron Finch said post the day's play, "It's just a bit of management of Mitch. Obviously the conditions are pretty hot, so trying to look after the fast bowler."
Impressive
Siddle impressed in the BBL for Adelaide Strikers
It presents a good opportunity for Siddle. He would look to help the rest of the pace bowlers during the T20Is. Australia need to protect Starc with the full-fledged series against India on the way. Starc is definitely their main asset and using him well is the focus. Test-ball specialist, Siddle, got the call-up after impressing in the Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers.
Information
Australia's T20I squad vs Pakistan
Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa, Ben McDermott, Peter Siddle.