Siddle called into Victoria's Matador Cup squad

Fast bowler Peter Siddle is set to make his return from an eight-month lay-off after being called into Victoria's Matador Cup squad. Siddle was originally not part of the Bushrangers' 14-man group for the tournament but has now replaced fast bowler Matt Doric, and is expected to play in Thursday's match against Tasmania at North Sydney Oval.

Following Australia's Test tour of New Zealand in February, Siddle was diagnosed with stress fractures in his back, and faced an indefinite period on the sidelines. He also had surgery on his ankle during the off-season, but has now been deemed fit to play in the remainder of the Matador Cup, having trained with Victoria for the past two months.

"It's really good to have someone of Peter's experience and talent available to come into the squad at this important time of the tournament," Victoria coach Andrew McDonald said. "He's been travelling with the team so far this tournament and hasn't missed a beat in training.

"His progress in the nets has been impressive, and we're happy to have him fit and firing. From Peter's perspective, it's obviously been a lengthy recovery period and he's very keen to get back out there with his team-mates and he's itching to play."