Australian pacer –Peter Siddle is all set to play for Essex, as the English County champions have signed him for a short-term contract. Siddle will be available for the first five games of the 2018 Championship season.

Previously, the 33-year-old has played for Lancashire and Nottinghamshire, where he left in March because of a back injury.  Siddle's inclusion will definitely be a huge boost for the Anthony McGrath’s side to defend their County Championship title this summer.

Veteran Aussie pacer has played 62 Tests and took 211 wickets for his country but he has not featured in Australia’s Test squad since 2016. He is likely to make his Essex debut at Yorkshire on 13 April in their Division One opener, while the pacer will stay there until 14 May.

Siddle told the Essex website, “I’ve enjoyed my previous experiences of county cricket and can’t wait to get underway at Chelmsford. I have heard very good things about the club and the quality of the playing squad and look forward to contributing strongly towards the title defense during the first few weeks of the season.”

Meanwhile, Essex head coach Anthony McGrath said, “Peter is someone with proven quality at the highest level. He is vastly experienced and is a player who won’t just deliver on the pitch but will help our younger bowlers as well.”

Siddle also played 17 one-day and two T20 internationals, picking 15 ODI wickets for Australia. He also played a crucial role in Sunday’s match, took 3-17 to help Adelaide Strikers win the Big Bash League.

Peter Siddle went unsold in the recently concluded IPL 2018 auctions.