Siddle Ashes recall leaves Lancashire short

Peter Siddle was named among a 17-man squad for Australia's Ashes contest this summer, a recall which will force Lancashire to search for a replacement. 

Siddle was initially due to be with Lancashire until the end of July playing predominantly in Lancashire's four-day campaign, but will now only be available for a maximum of four matches if Cricket Australia consent to this.

Lancashire's Head Coach, Ashley Giles, said: "When you sign an international bowler of his calibre there is always a possibility that this will happen but we are still hopeful that Peter will be available for the start of our LV= County Championship campaign."

The Ashes-winning bowler represented Nottinghamshire last year claiming 37 wickets in just 11 matches at an average of 31.48. He was due to start the 2015 season with Lancashire in the club's opening fixture at Derbyshire, but Lancashire will have to obtain the consent of Cricket Australia if they hope to have him in the team.

Siddle playing against Lancashire for Nottinghamshire last season.

Siddle had fallen out of favour with Australia despite claiming 192 wickets in 56 Tests at an average of 30.45, but his form in Sheffield Shield cricket forced the international selectors to take notice and give him an opportunity.

A return of 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 20.25, caught the eye of the selectors  including career-best figures of 8/54 against South Australia earlier this month.

"It is great news for Peter to be back in that squad. But it is a surprise, because we thought we would have had him for most of the summer, so it is disappointing," continued Giles.

"It is not ideal and it is a bit of a nightmare to be honest, but at least in the short term if we can start the season with him it gives us some breathing space to find someone else."