At 40 years of age Peter Siddle shows no signs of slowing down, signing on for his 10th BBL season and it will be with a new franchise.
The Melbourne Stars confirmed the Victorian quick will be in the green this season, after previous stints with the Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers.
Ironically, Siddle was one of the Stars original signings in 2011, but never got to take to the field due to his international committments, but he’s seeing this opportunity as somewhat of a homecoming.
“It’s great to come full circle and be back at the Stars after being one of the original signings,” Siddle said today in a statement.
“It’s always a privilege playing at the MCG and I’m really looking forward to helping out however I can with this group.”
The paceman has played 83 games across nine seasons that have netted him 99 wickets with an economy of 7.57, and Stars GM Blair Crouch said Siddle will bring leadership and experience to the dressing room at a franchise that is still looking for a maiden BBL title.
“To secure someone of Peter’s experience with the last spot on the list is fantastic, not only for his on-field ability but his leadership off the field and what he can provide to others is something that really appealed to us,” said Crouch.
He added that Siddle was “still bowling at a really high level” with 10 wickets in five One-Day Cup games this season for Victoria, while at Sheffield Shield level he has played in three of the Bushrangers matches taking 12 wickets as the team sits on top of the table.
The next step for the Stars will be to lock in a skipper. Glenn Maxwell stepped down from the role, with Marcus Stonis expected to take the position after re-committing to the Stars for another three seasons.
The Melbourne franchise has also lured experienced English allrounder Tom Curran and opener Ben Duckett, who last played BBL with the Heat three seasons ago.
The Big Bash season begins on December 15 between the Scorchers and the Stars in Perth.