Harris longevity gives Siddle hope

Peter Siddle is looking to good mate and fellow fast bowler Ryan Harris for inspiration as he attempts to revive his flagging international career.

Despite his age, 35-year-old Harris remains one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.

Proof there is life beyond 30 for international quicks, says Siddle, who reached the milestone in November.

Siddle was dumped from the Australian Test side after a below-par first Test against India in Adelaide when he battled illness, struggled for pace and claimed 2-88 and 0-21 in the home side’s 48-run victory.

He didn’t play in the third Test at the MCG either and is unlikely to play in the fourth and final Test at the SCG beginning on Tuesday.

Seemingly under pressure due to Father Time and a host of young pacemen around the country, Siddle is adamant he isn’t done with yet.

“You look at Ryan Harris and he is 35 and he is still going so there is still plenty of time,” Siddle said.

“I have been able to stay fit and on the park for the past three years now, that is a bonus, the body is feeling good.

“I’ve been good mates with Ryan for the past 10 or so years, and watched him go from being a rival coming through to a good player for South Australia and now a teammate in the Australia side.

“He has relished his opportunities and changed his game from when he turned 30.

“That has shown me that once you cross over to the age of 30, there is still lots of cricket to be played and lots of opportunity and things can happen.”

Harris didn’t make his Test debut until March 2010, six months after his 30th birthday and has since gone on to claim 111 wickets in 26 Tests at 22.77.

Josh Hazlewood, who will turn 24 during the SCG Test, took over from Siddle at the Gabba and made an immediate impression on debut with figures of 5-68.

Siddle, who has 192 wickets from 56 Tests at 30.45, will also have to battle it out with the likes of James Pattinson, 24, Pat Cummins, 21, and Mitchell Starc, 24, for a spot in the Australian bowling line-up.

“There have been loads of guys around for the past few years, there has always been that talk,” Siddle said.

“There are always people around there ready to take your spot, you just have to stay fit and stay on the park, and I think that has been the key to my success.”

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