Peter Siddle is set to play his first one-day international in over eight years after he was named in the Australia XI for the first ODI against India on Saturday, 12 January.
Siddle will line up with Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff in a three-pronged pace attack in Sydney, with Nathan Lyon pipping Adam Zampa as the specialist spinner. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis occupy the all-rounders’ slots.
Siddle’s return to the limited-overs side is testament to his improved form with the white ball over the last few years, especially in the Big Bash League. It will be just his 18th ODI.
“For Sidds to go away and work on the skills that he’s brought to the table over the last couple of years in Big Bash cricket is outstanding,” said Aaron Finch, the ODI captain, while announcing the squad.
“He well and truly deserves his spot. Any tour you go on, Sidds is one of the first picked I would think for what he brings to the team and the skill set he brings.”
At the top of the order, Finch will open with Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper-batsman, with the likes of Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb making up the rest of the batting line-up.
Finch was particularly excited about opening with Carey. “It’s just an opportunity to see Alex play in a position he’s done quite a bit in Big Bash and one-day cricket,” said Finch.
