Peter Siddle ends latest Essex spell for personal reasons

The seamer will return to Australia having claimed 20 wickets in five LV=Insurance County Championship fixtures

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Essex have confirmed that Peter Siddle will leave the club for personal reasons and miss the rest of the 2021 season.

The 36-year-old took 20 wickets in five LV=Insurance County Championship appearances this term.

Siddle's third spell at Chelmsford had been put back from 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but it has lasted less than two months.

"I’m sad to be leaving Chelmsford early as I love playing for Essex," said Siddle, who played 67 Tests for Australia.

"I’ve built some really strong bonds with the guys, so it’s upsetting that I have to go home, but hopefully in the future I can come back and play some more cricket for this great club.

"I know I’m getting to the back end of my career, but I’ve still got some playing time left. We’ll see what happens in the coming months and in the build-up to the 2022 season, but fingers crossed there’s still a little bit more cricket to be played for Essex."

Head coach Anthony McGrath added: "Peter is a model professional so it’s obviously disappointing that we’re losing a player of his calibre.

"He’s a fierce competitor and always gives it his all, but we wish him nothing but the best and hopefully we see him back at Chelmsford soon."