AUSTRALIAN Ashes winner and fast bowler Peter Siddle has joined Somerset County Cricket Club. 

He has joined Somerset until at least the end of August and will be available for all formats.

After signing for Somerset, Siddle said: "Somerset are held in high regard within the game, and to get a chance to play for the club is something that I am really looking forward to.

"I’ve had some good games against Somerset over the years and now I’m looking forward to contributing to some wins for them.

"I enjoy playing in England and I would love to be able to play a part in Somerset winning some silverware, especially their first-ever County Championship."

The 37-year-old has previously played for Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Essex, claiming 146 first-class wickets from 36 matches. 

Siddle won the County Championship with Essex in 2019, and he has also won Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).

He won 67 test caps for Australia before announcing his retirement from international cricket in December 2019.

His last test appearance for his country came against England in September 2019.

Andy Hurry, Somerset's director of cricket, said: "Peter will bring a huge amount to Somerset, both on and off the field. 

"He is performing consistently at the very highest level, and the experience that he will be able to share both on the field and within the changing room will be priceless.

"He has proved that he can excel in English conditions and his genuine will to win will enhance our already outstanding attack and our ability to keep putting opposition batters under real pressure."

He added: "With a very busy international schedule and anticipated call ups, we needed to recruit an additional highly skilled bowler who is ready to perform this coming summer.

"This in turn will enable us to ensure that we can create the appropriate time and opportunities to nurture the development of our highly talented group of aspirational bowlers and embed the foundation skills required at the top level.

"To have been able to sign a player of Peter’s undoubted calibre and experience is outstanding for the club."

On Tuesday, Somerset announced the signing of Australian top-order batsman Matt Renshaw, who enjoyed a successful spell at the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2018.

Renshaw is best-remembered in Somerset for scoring a debut century against Worcestershire.

Somerset will start their 2022 LV= County Championship season away against Hampshire on April 7.