Australian bowler Siddle signs county deal

Nottinghamshire have signed Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle on a two-year county cricket contract.

The 30-year-old returns to the county championship division one side, having taken 37 wickets for them in 2014.

He added 18 in an abbreviated spell in division two with Lancashire last season before linking up with Australian's Ashes squad, and will be available to Notts in first-class and 50-over cricket during his new deal.

"I really enjoyed my time at Trent Bridge in 2014 and I can't wait to come back," Siddle said.

"Notts have had a strong batting line-up for a long time and, with some young bowlers also coming through, I'm excited by the way the squad is shaping up ahead of the new season."

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: "Peter brings high-quality quick bowling and is a good fellow who fits in well with the team. He will provide leadership to our young bowling attack.

"He's very much suited to English conditions and we're certainly hoping to get the best out of him for the next couple of seasons."

Harry Gurney, Jake Ball and Luke Wood all took 30 or more wickets for Notts in the championship last season, while Luke Fletcher will look to work his way back in after a spell on loan at Surrey last term to build his fitness.

Siddle has taken 198 wickets in 57 Tests at an average of 29.87, including match figures of 6-67 in the final Ashes Test at the Oval.