- Title: AUSTRALIA: CRICKET - Vicious Siddle returns with an Ashes hat-trick
- Date: 26th November 2010
- Summary: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA (NOVEMBER 24, 2010) (REUTERS) WIDE OF TRAINING GROUND IN BRISBANE AUSTRALIA TEAM AHEAD OF TRAINING
- Embargoed: 11th December 2010 03:48
- Keywords:
- Location: Australia
- Country: Australia
- Topics: Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA6F8U2JI5R4XSSR54WUPMXSVCN
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Australian Peter Siddle made an explosive return to test cricket with six wickets, including a hat-trick, on the first day of the Ashes on Thursday (November 25) Siddle, who took 60 wickets in 17 tests before a stress fracture to his back forced him into rehabilitation for 10 months this year, was a controversial choice ahead of fellow quick bowler Doug Bollinger for the Ashes opener.
After fully vindicating the selectors' faith in him by putting Australia in charge at the Gabba -- on his 26th birthday to boot -- the Victorian said he enjoyed every minute out there.
"It was hard to take in at the time. The crowd started to build up obviously and get behind me and I don't know it's just been an amazing day, obviously good to be back in the team and playing again. Just good to do something for the boys out there," he said.
After claiming the wickets of Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood in his second spell of the day, Siddle's inspired third spell accounted for Alastair Cook, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, taking England from 197-4 to 228-8.
"Just really wanted to charge in and bowl fast and obviously try and hit the top of off (stump). The execution wasn't quite there, to obviously get him on the full. Little bit of shape, dream ball, one that I definitely remember for a long time," Siddle said of his last wicket.
Debutant spinner Xavier Doherty picked up the last two wickets to leave England all out for 260. Australia were 25 without loss at the close of play.
"It was good just to get the crowd behind us and perform well for Australia and obviously start the series on a high," Siddle told reporters.
England's hopes of a good start in their quest to win their first Ashes series on Australian soil since 1986-87 had received a major blow in the first three minutes when Strauss cut the third ball of the series straight to Mike Hussey at gully.
Siddle, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, claimed the key wickets of Pietersen (43) and Cook (67) in two brilliant spells that pegged the tourists back just when they looked like taking control.
"We felt pretty good at the partnership together, we were ticking along, our goal was to go small bits at the time and try and get ourselves to get a decent score. Again credit to Siddle and Australia I thought they've finished the day fantastically well, great spell of bowling that probably turned the day on its head a little bit," said Ian Bell, who hit a gutsy 76. .
"It was a slow wicket and a decent day to bowl to be honest with you. It swung all day, which was a little bit unusual, yes there are some disappointed guys but it's day one of the Ashes series and we have an opportunity for our taller bowlers to come in and hit the pitch hard tomorrow and if the quickens a little bit we'll be in the game," he added.
Australia's Simon Katich and Shane Watson successfully negotiated the last seven overs of the day to reach 25 for none at stumps. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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