Somerset sign Peter Siddle for 2022 season

The veteran Australian, who has previously represented Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Essex, will be available in all three formats until at least the end of August

Somerset have signed Peter Siddle for the 2022 season, poaching the veteran Australian from Division One rivals Essex.

The 37-year-old pace bowler will be available in all three formats until at least the end of August.

During spells with Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Essex, Siddle has proven himself to be highly adept with the red-ball in English conditions, taking 146 wickets in 36 first-class appearances for the three sides. 50 of his 221 Test wickets have also come on English soil from just 14 apperances.

He was an integral part of Essex’s 2019 County Championship winning squad, taking 34 wickets at 20.08 – only Jamie Porter and Simon Harmer completed more dismissals despite the Australian making just eight appearances.  

Last season, Somerset were over-reliant on Craig Overton and Josh Davey with the ball. The duo took a combined 77 wickets – 44 per cent of their side’s Championship wickets – and were the only bowlers to average under 30.

With three 30-plus wicket red-ball seasons in England and a reputation as an intimidating enforcer with ball in hand, Siddle’s arrival will therefore be a huge boost to Somerset’s hunt for that inaugural County Championship title.

^{Peter Siddle is currently representing Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash [Brendon Thorne/Getty Images]}

However, it’s not just with the red ball that Siddle is a threat. A genuine multi-format bowler, he has taken 86 List A wickets in 68 appearances and a further 101 wickets in 87 T20s.

And he is set to arrive in Somerset in strong white-ball form. At the time of writing, he is leading the Golden Arm standings in the 2021-22 Big Bash, with 24 wickets at 18.16 and an economy of 8.20.

Commenting on signing for Somerset, Siddle said: "Somerset are held in high regard within the game, and to get a chance to play for the club is something that I am really looking forward to.

"I’ve had some good games against Somerset over the years and now I’m looking forward to contributing to some wins for them. I enjoy playing in England and I would love to be able to play a part in Somerset winning some silverware, especially their first ever County Championship."

Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "Peter will bring a huge amount to Somerset, both on and off the field. He is performing consistently at the very highest level, and the experience that he will be able to share both on the field and within the changing room will be priceless.

"He has proved that he can excel in English conditions and his genuine will to win will enhance our already outstanding attack and our ability to keep putting opposition batters under real pressure.

"As we have talked about previously, we have taken some very valuable learnings from the 2021 season, and one of those is the demands that the domestic and international schedule is placing on the players and our squad. With a very busy international schedule and anticipated call ups, we needed to recruit an additional highly skilled bowler who is ready to perform this coming summer.

"This in turn will enable us to ensure that we can create the appropriate time and opportunities to nurture the development of our highly talented group of aspirational bowlers and embed the foundation skills required at the top level.

"To have been able to sign a player of Peter’s undoubted calibre and experience is outstanding for the club."