Jason Gillespie Advocates for Peter Siddle's Inclusion in T20 World Cup Squad

Jason Gillespie has put forth the idea of including veteran fast bowler Peter Siddle in the T20 World Cup squad, especially if injuries strike the current seamers. At 41, Siddle is leading the Big Bash League in wickets, showcasing his enduring talent. With a rich international career behind him, including a memorable hat-trick on his birthday, Siddle's experience could be crucial for Australia. Explore Gillespie's insights and Siddle's impressive stats in this article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 22:51 IST

Gillespie's Support for Siddle

Australian cricket icon Jason Gillespie has expressed that including former fast bowler Peter Siddle in the squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup could be a wise decision, especially if any of the current seamers face injury issues before the tournament. Gillespie emphasized that T20 cricket requires a mindset focused on immediate results and adaptability, which makes Siddle a strong candidate given the current situation.

Siddle's Impressive BBL Performance

At 41 years old, Siddle is currently the top wicket-taker in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), representing the Melbourne Stars. He has claimed 10 wickets in just five matches, boasting an impressive average of 13.60, with his best performance being 3 wickets for 23 runs.

In a recent post on X, Gillespie stated, "It wouldn't be the worst option if one of the seamers were to get injured before the T20 World Cup. T20 is a format where short-term thinking is acceptable."

A Glimpse into Siddle's International Career

Peter Siddle concluded his international cricket career in 2019, having taken 221 wickets across 67 Test matches, which included eight five-wicket hauls. He is particularly remembered for achieving a hat-trick on his birthday against England at the Gabba in 2010, becoming the ninth Australian to accomplish this feat. Siddle also played a significant role in Australia's 5-0 Ashes series triumph over England in 2013-14.

Beyond his Test career, Siddle participated in 20 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he secured 17 wickets at an average of 43.70, and he also played in two Twenty20 Internationals, taking 3 wickets.