Peter Siddle sets sights on silverware this year at Somerset

The 37-year-old Australian landed in Somerset last week and has already slotted in well with his teammates at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

"It has been easy to settle in if I am honest, I know a lot of the lads already and everyone has made me feel welcome.

"I just cant wait to get started, and I am really looking forward to our first home game next week against Essex, my old club."

Siddle spent three years at Essex and in that time he played a number of times in Taunton so Somerset fans will know what he is capable of.

The 2022 Somerset CCC squad. Picture: Steve Richardson

The fans are, he said, a main reason why he has come to play for Somerset.

"When I played here for Essex I saw the passion the Somerset fans had for cricket and their team.

"They are great supporters of cricket in general and while they may have been a bit hostile in the past as I was a rival player, now I'm looking forward to having them supporting me.

"For me, I want to win as many home games as possible, in my experience that can go a long way to helping win silverware."

Silverware indeed seems to be a target of Siddle's.

"Personally my goal for my time here is all based around team success, at my age, individual accolades don't mean as much to me anymore, I just want to win.

"I am ready to fight in all competitions for Somerset and I think there is a chance with this squad of players to really compete in all formats.

"The whole team wants to win silverware this season, I'd love it if we won all three competitions, but getting my/our hands on the County Championship would be huge."

Peter Siddle in his County Championship kit. Picture: Steve Richardson

Siddle was no doubt brought to the club to help develop the younger bowlers in the squad and coming through the academy.

He said being a guide for the younger players is something he enjoys.

"Once I retired from international cricket it was easier for me to enjoy the game and I could spend time sharing my experience and skills with my teammates.

"Here at Somerset the squad is filled with young players and I hope I can pass on some of my knowledge to these guys and seeing them improve will be great."

Peter Siddle is set to lineup in Somerset's first County Championship game this Thursday April 7 away at Hampshire.