Siddle sends out warning

Last updated: 19th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Siddle sends out warning

Siddle: One-day warning

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Australian paceman Peter Siddle insists Pakistan will provide a stern test for his side in their one-day series despite being easily beaten in the Test series.

The hosts cruised to a 3-0 Test series victory but Siddle says the tourists will be much stronger in the up-coming 50-over series, which starts in Brisbane on Friday.

Australia then play Pakistan in a Twenty20 international before facing West Indies in five one-dayers and two Twenty20 clashes against West Indies.

The tourists will be strengthened for the shorter versions of the game by the inclusion of star all-rounder Shahid Afridi and former skipper Younus Khan, and Siddle says they will be much more competitive.

"Pakistan have been very competitive in the Twenty20 form and one-day form over the last couple of years," Siddle warned.

"They are a good side, a strong unit, and they've got a few players who, once they get going, can really hurt you.

"So we've got to start again, it's a whole new set-up now, a whole new series and we've got to be right on the ball from game one."

Siddle was sent home injured during Australia's last one-day series - a thrilling 4-2 win in India back in October and November - and the 25-year-old has played just 12 one-day internationals for Australia.

After enduring a frustrating Test summer with just six wickets in the first five Tests against the Windies and Pakistan - Siddle took five wickets in Australia's third Test win in Hobart.

With spearhead Mitchell Johnson rested for at least the first two matches of the series against Pakistan, Siddle gets his chance to make an impact.

"I've only missed the last couple in India," he said.

"I was comfortable with how I finished off the Champions Trophy (in South Africa last October) and I thought the last few games I played over there, I was just starting to get used to the game and how to play them.

"For me playing as much cricket and as much continuous cricket as I can, is the best way forward for me and the best way to stay in form and get good rhythm through the crease when I'm bowling.

"So I just want to keep playing for Australia, just keep continuing to perform and keep helping the side to victories."