Peter Siddle's Somerset stint cut short by injury, hints at end of county cricket career

Over the past two seasons, Siddle has taken 68 wickets in 33 appearances for Somerset and previously represented Lancashire, Essex, and Nottinghamshire on the county circuit

Peter Siddle's stint with Somerset has been cut short by injury, with the veteran Australian admitting he's probably played his last game in county cricket.

Siddle had been due to represent Somerset until the end of July but sustained a hand injury against Hampshire in the T20 Blast which has kept him on the sidelines since June 7.

The 38-year-old has spent the past two summers with Somerset but does not believe he will be back a third season, stating his "days of signing long deals over the summer are behind me".

Siddle has taken 68 wickets in 33 appearances for Somerset across the formats, including 43 wickets at an average of 24 in the County Championship and 24 T20 Blast wickets with an economy of 8.63.

^{Siddle suffered a hand injury against Hampshire [Mike Hewitt/Getty Images]}

In 2023, he picked up 16 wickets at 24.12 in five first-class outings and seven wickets in seven Blast matches.

Prior to joining Somerset, Siddle enjoyed county stints with Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Essex.

"I've loved my time here over the last couple of years," he said. "I love the club and I love the boys in the dressing room.

"It's a shame because that freak accident in the Hampshire game has caused a bit more damage than we had initially thought, and I've been advised not to play for a few weeks so I'm going to miss out on the remainder of my time here. It's sad because the boys are going really well at the moment in both formats.

"I genuinely thought that last year was going to be my last year of playing county cricket in England. I was content that was going to be it, but the guys and Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr talked me into coming back and I'm so glad that I did.

^{Siddle has also represented Nottinghamshire (pictured), Lancashire and Essex [Dan Mullan/Getty Images]}

"I think my days of signing long deals over the summer are behind me, but if I come back to England and play, it will be as a replacement to cover someone for a short stint. Who knows, if Somerset sign Matt Henry again next year and he ends up missing a month during his stint then maybe I might be able to dust off my boots and pull a kit back on.

"You never say never. I may have a game or two left in me for the club, but as things stand, I'm pretty sure my county cricket days are done."

As for what comes next, Siddle is returning to Australia to work as a player and assistant coach with Victoria after signing a two-year contract with the state.