“He’s been our rock for many years,” says Australia opener David Warner. Peter Siddle will make his Test return against South Africa tomorrow morning.
Having previously beaten off competition from Jackson Bird for a place in the 12-man squad, the 31-year-old has now been confirmed for the starting 11 ahead of uncapped seamer Joe Mennie.
"Credit to him for getting himself ready and fit," said the Baggy Greens' vice-captain.
"He's bowing faster than I've faced in previous times.
"He feels fit, he's bowling good line and length, and he was troubling our batsmen in the nets.
"He's one of those bowlers, when he hits line & length and there's a little bit in that wicket, he's hard to face.
"He's been our rock for many years now and he's got the games under him and the experience to know what to bring out here."
Siddle, who missed the 2016 county season having undergone surgery on a stress fracture of the back, played the last of his 61 Tests against New Zealand back in February.
He averages 29.88 with the ball for his country having taken 208 wickets spanning eight years.
He was a member of Australia’s touring party for the 2015 Investec Ashes, but was not used until the dead rubber final Test at the Kia Oval, a match in which he collected match figures of 6-57.
Soon after that performance, the Victoria paceman was announced as Nottinghamshire’s overseas player on a two-year contract, signalling a return to the county for which he took 37 wickets in 11 matches in 2014.
Since returning to competitive action, Siddle has featured in three 50-over matches and one Sheffield Shield fixture for Victoria.
His return to face South Africa in Perth puts his rehabilitation one Test match ahead of schedule.
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