Nottinghamshire lose Peter Siddle for second straight season

Peter Siddle will not be joining Nottinghamshire this year as he continues to battle back problems.

The Australia seamer signed a two-year deal with the county in 2016 but missed the whole of last season with a stress fracture in his back.

And the problem persists a year on, leaving Nottinghamshire to look for a replacement overseas player less than a month from the start of the new Championship season.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said on the club's official website: "I feel for Peter in particular because he's had absolutely no luck in recent years when it comes to injuries.

"We certainly didn't imagine, when we signed him on a two-year contract for 2016 and 2017, that he wouldn't play a single game for us during that time.

"It's disappointing because his competitive character and proven ability would have been a real asset for us.

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"We never stop monitoring the situation overseas. We're always looking at who is available and who has the kind of quality we need, so we're confident of quickly securing a replacement."

Siddle, who has taken 211 wickets in 62 Tests, added: "I don't think I've played this little cricket in an 18-month window since I was an 11-year-old kid and was just starting out.

"That's the most frustrating thing, not playing the game that you love and your profession. But mentally I'm pretty good."