Hat-trick on opening day of The Ashes made Siddle’s birthday even more special
November 25 might have always been Peter Siddle’s day but no 25th November in the last 26 years would have contented him like he was contented today after claiming six English wickets on the opening day of the latest episode
of the Ashes series. And this was acknowledged by the Victorian pacer as well as he said:
"I don't want to be mean to parents and friends who have given me presents over all the years, but this is definitely going to be one of the best birthday presents that I'm ever going to get", said Siddle. "It's an amazing feeling".
Siddle, who returned to the international arena after a gap of almost one-year following back stress fractures, celebrated his 26th birthday with career best figures of 6 for 54, including a hat-trick as well. The 6 feet
2” tall Victorian pacer, who has gotten a nickname of ‘Vicious’ was vicious in the real sense today scything through the England line-up from his two devastating spells as the tourists were rolled over for 260 in the 77th over.
Siddle became the first Australian fast bowler after Glen McGrath to capture a hat-trick in Test cricket when he removed opener Alastair Cook, wicketkeeper Matt Prior and the fast bowler Stuart Broad on the third, fourth and fifth
delivery respectively of the 66th over – Siddle’s 12th.
McGrath, the legendary Australian pacer, had claimed the hat-trick a decade ago against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in the Frank Worrell series, 2000-01.
The three full length deliveries from Siddle were rewarded with seam and swing and the home side went from drifting to dominant. Opener Alastair Cook was his first hat-trick victim after he edged the ball to Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 standing at
first slip. The very next ball, with an even fuller effort, sliced between the bat and pad of wicketkeeper Prior, breaking his stumps.
Siddle, awaiting his hat-trick, was provided with four slips, a gully and a point by the skipper to make the best of his chance. But the 26 year old Victorian, who made his Test debut in October 2008, did not need any of the three
field placements as he delivered a vicious Yorker to Stuart Broad that kissed his pad.
"I'd like to say it was the plan, but I was looking to hit the top of off…", Siddle said. "To get him on the full with a bit of shape was a dream ball. I'll definitely remember it for a long time", he added further.
Siddle's remarkable bowling today covered up all the flaws and his vigor swiftly flowed through the team as Strauss’ line-up was bundled out on day 1.
Tags: