Siddle, Pattinson sign for Renegades

Fast bowlers James Pattinson and Peter Siddle have signed for Melbourne Renegades for the next two seasons of the BBL. The franchise also re-signed the former Sri Lankan offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan for one year and confirmed two-year deals with legspinner Fawad Ahmed and batsman Alex Doolan.

Both Pattinson and Siddle are expected to be on national duty for the 2013-14 Ashes and may only play for the franchise after the fifth Test ending January 7. The BBL, extended from this season, will run from December 20 to February 15.

"I want to get back into playing short-form cricket,"Siddle said. "To have that opportunity again in four over bursts, having a crack and getting the pace up there. I think it'll be a lot of fun."

The Pakistan-born Ahmed, was recently granted Australian citizenship, clearing the way for a possible call-up to the Test squad for the Ashes. Though originally part of the touring squad in England, he is currently with the Australia A squad in Zimbabwe. Ahmed played one game for the Renegades last season.

"I worked really hard with the Renegades last season. It was a good six or seven weeks and they really helped me through BBL 2," Ahmed said. "I [then] got an opportunity with the (Victoria) Bushrangers and it really clicked. For me, I was nervous at one stage but it was a good summer."

The Renegades have now signed 15 of 18 players for the forthcoming season, with the final three places to be filled by December 6.