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Peter Siddle
Bogeyman: Peter Siddle says he’s looking forward to becoming a target for fans

'Vicious' Peter Siddle ready to take on Barmy Army

Tom Collomosse
3 Jun 2009


Peter Siddle has revealed he plans to follow Merv Hughes and Shane Warne by becoming the man England love to hate in the Ashes.

Nicknamed "Vicious", the fast bowler proved on the Aussies' recent tour of South Africa that he enjoys winding up the opposition and revels in being a target for the home supporters.

Hughes and Warne both enjoyed a fiery relationship with England fans during Ashes tours here and Siddle - who has taken 29 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 27.65 - has a similar approach.

"I like to charge in, bowl fast and bowl the odd bouncer," said Siddle, who is part of Australia's 15-man squad for the World Twenty20, which begins on Friday. "I did cop a little bit of grief over in South Africa from the fans, in the way that Merv Hughes did. I think that's where it comes from, but it was a good contest: the fans getting into you, and the batsmen going after you. It was fun, and made it more of a challenge.

"I expect more of the same over here. It will always be there, and the way I play means I'll cop it more often than not, so I'm expecting it to happen during the Ashes.

"The England batsmen might look to go after me, but if I stay consistent, I think I'll go well."

In contrast to the last Ashes tour in 2005, when the Aussies' bowling attack was packed with star names like Warne and Glenn McGrath, the players who face England in the First Test in Cardiff on 8 July will be far less famous.

Brett Lee, a veteran of the 2005 series, is likely to lead the attack, but pacemen Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Siddle, along with off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, are all embarking on their first tours of this country.

England hope this inexperience will prove a weakness in Ricky Ponting's team, but Siddle believes the Aussies' new boys can surprise their hosts.

He continued: "There will always be a surprise factor with a group like ours, because we have blokes who haven't been seen much."

Australia begin their campaign on Saturday when they face West Indies, but Ponting's men have already shown themselves to be one of the favourites for the tournament with a devastating bowling display in last night's warm-up match against New Zealand.

Lee and Johnson, their probable opening pair in the Ashes, went for a combined total of only 29 runs from their 7.5 overs, with Lee taking one for nine and Johnson four for 20.

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