Peter Siddle’s comeback to the international arena could come one game ahead of his own schedule, if he’s selected for the forthcoming first Test against South Africa.
The Victorian fast bowler was unable to fulfil the first season of his two-year contract with Nottinghamshire in 2016 due to a stress fracture of the back.
Having undergone surgery and intense rehabilitation, Siddle made his comeback in 50-over cricket for Victoria, sustaining an economy rate of 3.67 per over across three matches.
The 31-year-old is stepping up his workload in the current Sheffield Shield four-day fixture against Tasmania at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with his direct competitor for a Test shirt - former Nottinghamshire paceman Jackson Bird - lining up in opposition.
The first Test against South Africa gets underway in Perth next Thursday and Australia coach Darren Lehmann called a straight shootout between the duo.
"They certainly can (bowl themselves into the starting 11) over the next few days I would think,” he said.
“Siddle looked really good in the Matador Cup and by all reports he's got some zing and zip back.
"He's playing the Shield game so hopefully he'll perform well and pull up well, and then we'll see what we do.
"His record is exceptional – he bowls good line and length and can complement Mitchell (Starc), but so can Jackson Bird.
"We have to what happens over the next few days. It's probably the hardest thing to answer until you know whether they're fit or not.
"It's an important round for everyone involved to push their case forward before we meet and select.”
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