Siddle to boost Lancashire promotion bid

Lancashire's bid to bounce straight back to Division One of the County Championship has been given a pre-season boost with the signing of Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle.

Relegated last season, Lancashire are looking for a response under a new regime with Ashley Giles installed as head coach and Tom Smith taking over the captaincy from Glen Chapple. Siddle, one of the leading red ball bowlers in world cricket, is a significant addition to a perhaps lightweight bowling attack.

Siddle is available from the beginning of the season until the end of July and will feature primarily in the County Championship. Siddle has taken over 200 Test wickets and enjoyed a successful stint with Nottinghamshire last season, taking 37 wickets at 31.48.

"Peter is a world class bowler with a tremendous pedigree and having him available for such an extended period will give our County Championship campaign a real boost," Ashley Giles, Lancashire head coach, said. "He has previous experience of playing in English conditions and I am looking forward to him adding some additional quality to our squad."

Siddle said: "I enjoyed my time in England last season with Nottinghamshire and when I heard of Lancashire's interest I had no hesitation in speaking with Ashley. I am looking forward to playing my cricket at Old Trafford, which is such a fantastic international cricket ground."