Veteran Australian pacer Peter Siddle has become the latest overseas signing to have lost his county contract for the 2020 season, as Essex county cricket club has confirmed he will not join up with the side for the 2020 campaign after professional cricket was suspended in England until July.
The 35-year-old was due to join up with Essex in the County Championship and One-Day Cup and T20 Blast champions for the second part of a two-year deal. Having already enjoyed spells with the Essex club in 2018, Siddle signed a two-year contract for 2019 and 2020 with the side.
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In the wake of the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Siddle, who retired from international cricket in December 2019, and the Essex club have mutually agreed to postpone his county contract for a year, which means the Australia pacer will now return to Chelmsford in 2021 season.
Derek Bowden, Chief Executive of Essex Cricket said: “Peter Siddle was scheduled to be arriving in the UK last week, but we have together made the decision to defer his contract to the 2021 season.
We are constantly reviewing the situation with our other Overseas players in light of when various competitions will commence, together with their own personal safety and ability to travel. I'd like to thank Peter and his management for their understanding and we're looking forward to welcoming him back next year.”
After having enjoyed two great seasons with the club, picking up 37 wickets and 34 wickets respectively in the 2018 and 2019 County Championship, Siddle was eager to return the club this season but was left disappointed with the latest development. Though, he is excited to return to Essex in 2021.
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Meanwhile, Siddle said: “It's a shame I won't be returning to Chelmsford this year as I was really looking forward to the season with the Eagles, but there are plenty of things more important than cricket going on in the world at the moment. In light of the current situation, it makes sense for me to come back over for the 2021 season when hopefully we're back to normal and playing cricket again.”
He signed off by saying, “It feels like a long way off at the moment, but I'm really excited to see all the boys and play at The Cloudfm County Ground again. Until then, stay safe and look after yourselves and your loved ones. See you soon.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
