Thursday, 31 July 2014

Siddle says World Cup dream is over

Peter Siddle has all but given up on playing a role for Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup next year.

The 53-Test veteran who is focussed on regaining his spot in Australia's Test side for the October tour of the UAE, played the last of his 17 one-day internationals way back in November 2010.

The Victorian says his decision to focus on Test cricket has probably cost him any chance of continuing his ODI career, but he doesn't have any regrets.

"It's always a dream to play in a World Cup, especially at home, but obviously my hopes were probably gone a long time ago," Siddle said.

"But I knew that was always a chance of happening when I chose to concentrate on Test cricket for back-to-back Ashes (last year).

"That paid off and we had a good home series win 5-0 so if I never play a one-dayer again, the reasons are probably justified."

Siddle's slim World Cup chances received a small boost last month when coach Darren Lehmann endorsed a return to ODI cricket for Ryan Harris who, like Siddle, is viewed as a Test specialist.

But a scheduling quirk and a continued focus on Test cricket has probably cost Siddle any chance to push his case to selectors.

His early return home from a stint with English county side Nottinghamshire, at Cricket Australia's direction, came just before the start of the 50-over competition in England.

And if Siddle is selected for Australia's two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October, he will miss the entirety of the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup for Victoria.

It means he is unlikely to play any 50-over cricket at all between now at the World Cup in February and March.

"You've always got hope, but I think they dwindled away when I had to come home early from England," Siddle said.

"That would have given me a chance to sneak in their one-day comp over there so at least it would have given me a chance to play some one-day cricket.

"I played the Ryobi Cup last year for Victoria and I played OK and it was just nice to play with the white ball again.

"I think I was banking on the England (county) stuff that I could play a few games and at least if I could show something there you might get a chance.

"Fingers crossed I go to Dubai for the Test series, so that ruins it all again," Siddle added with a laugh.

Cricket Australia

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