Injured Siddle misses another Nottinghamshire stint

Australia paceman Peter Siddle has pulled out of playing for Nottinghamshire for the second successive season because of an enduring back problem, the English county announced Monday.

Siddle signed a two-year deal with the Midlands club to be their overseas player prior to the 2016 season, but a stress fracture in his back ruled him out of the entire domestic campaign.

Now Nottinghamshire have confirmed that Siddle, who took 37 wickets at an average of just over 31 apiece during his last spell with the Trent Bridge-based side in 2014, won't be available again this year either.

Siddle's fellow Australia quick James Pattinson has been suggested as a possible replacement at Nottinghamshire.

The 32-year-old Siddle, who has taken 211 wickets in 62 Tests, told Nottinghamshire's website: "I don't think I've played this little cricket in an 18-month window since I was an 11-year-old kid and was just starting out.

"That's the most frustrating thing, not playing the game that you love and your profession. But mentally I'm pretty good."

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell added: "I feel for Peter in particular because he's had absolutely no luck in recent years when it comes to injuries.

"We certainly didn't imagine, when we signed him on a two-year contract for 2016 and 2017, that he wouldn't play a single game for us during that time.

"It's disappointing because his competitive character and proven ability would have been a real asset for us.

"We never stop monitoring the situation overseas. We're always looking at who is available and who has the kind of quality we need, so we're confident of quickly securing a replacement."

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