LEGENDARY Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle is set for a sensational return to Somerset County Cricket Club this summer.

Siddle, 38, enjoyed a fantastic campaign at the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2022 and clearly enjoyed his time in Taunton, agreeing to spend another summer in Somerset.

All being well, he will be taking wickets from the start of the season through to the end of July and the plan is for Siddle to play in the LV Insurance County Championship and the Vitality Blast.

Siddle’s vast experience, which includes 221 international wickets from 67 Test matches for Australia, shone through in the 2022 season, when he took 27 first class wickets for Somerset at an average of 23.92. His best figures were six for 51 against Surrey.

Siddle was equally potent in the white ball arena, snaring 17 Vitality Blast wickets at an average of 17.88, with a best score of three for ten. As well as performing on the big stage, the youngsters at Somerset will benefit from a player who has literally seen it all in the game of cricket.

Talking to the Somerset CCC website, Siddle said: “I loved my time at Somerset last summer and when the opportunity to go back came about there was never any doubt that I would take it. It’s a great Club with great people and the Members and supporters are outstanding.

“I was made to feel like a part of the family as soon as I arrived and I’m looking forward to joining up with the boys again in a few months’ time.

“Hopefully, I can contribute to Somerset having a big summer in 2023.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry echoed those good vibes, telling the club website: “Peter Siddle was phenomenal for us on and off the field last year. His contributions on the pitch and in the dressing room were of the very highest order. He is a proven winner who will contribute significantly on the field, and with his vast experience will also play a huge role in the development of our aspiring bowlers.

“During his time with us previously, he established an excellent rapport with his teammates, the coaches, our staff and our Members. He will be a valuable addition to our squad this summer and we look forward to welcoming him back to do what he does best in a Somerset shirt in 2023.”

Born in the Australian state of Victoria, Siddle began playing competitive cricket as a teenager and attended the Australian Cricket Academy in 2023.

He made his first class debut for Victoria against a West Indian touring side in 2005, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Siddle was named the Australia Emerging Player of the Year in 2008-09 and made his Test debut against India, with his first international wicket coming against a certain Sachin Tendulkar.

Since then, Siddle has become one of the most popular and effective bowlers in world cricket, and an absolute pleasure to have him back in Somerset.