Peter Siddle took 20 wickets in 4 matches during his spell with Essex in April and May: Image courtesy of Essex Cricket

Essex County Cricket Club have announced that Australian International, Peter Siddle, will return to the Club on August 1 and be available for all competitions.

Siddle will be available for eight Vitality Blast games, and the quarter-finals should Essex progress, as well as the Specsavers County Championship matches against Somerset, Hampshire and Surrey.

The 33-year-old made a significant impression during his brief stint with the Club in April and May, and took 20 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 16.10.

The Victorian is delighted to be returning to the Club and said: “I loved my time at the Club earlier in the season, and I can’t wait to get back to Chelmsford and play for the Eagles again.

“It was a little bit of a stop start period with the weather, but I am looking forward to getting a run of games together in both Blast and Championship cricket.

“I have seen first-hand how passionate the Chelmsford crowd is for Championship cricket, and I have heard amazing things about T20 games as well. Hopefully I can bring my experience in both red-ball and white-ball cricket to the team and help continue the good work so far this season.”

Essex Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, is equally excited to see Siddle returning and added: “Peter made an excellent contribution both on and off the pitch earlier on in the season, and made a brilliant impact on everyone at the Club.

“He not only continued to show how good a bowler he is, and the skills he has, but he also showed what a great person he is, and that is equally important for fitting into the way we work.

“We know he will have an impact with the red-ball, but Sids was also outstanding in the Big Bash for the Adelaide Strikers over the winter, and we hope he can bring those skills to our T20 side during his stay with the Club.”

 Report provided by Essex CCC