Peter Siddle: Nottinghamshire sign Australia pace bowler

Nottinghamshire have signed Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle as their overseas player for the 2014 season.

Siddle, who is set to play in the Ashes series against England this winter, will be available for all of the club's Championship and 50-over games.

The 28-year-old has taken 167 wickets in 46 Tests, including a hat-trick in the last series against England down under in November 2010.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said Siddle was their "number one target".

"He was very keen to join us and everyone that we have spoken to has endorsed him as a player and as a person. He'll add a lot of quality," said Newell.

"He'll be an excellent role model for the younger players in our squad and his wicket-taking ability will lift us."

Siddle took 17 wickets in the summer Test series in England, eight in the opening game at Trent Bridge, which Australia lost by 14 runs.

"He was excellent over here during the Ashes series," said Newell.

"He has a track record of taking wickets all over the world and I'm hopeful that he can exploit the conditions at Trent Bridge.

"Our draws and batting bonus points kept us out of trouble last season but we need to find ways to win more four-day matches and strengthening our seam attack is our best method of doing that."

Siddle signed to play T20 cricket for Essex in 2012, but had to withdraw from the contract after sustaining a back problem.

His arrival at Trent Bridge will further strengthen a seam-bowling attack already featuring England's Stuart Broad, veteran Andre Adams, Luke Fletcher, Ajmal Shahzad, Paul Franks and the promising Harry Gurney.

"I've always wanted to spend a season in county cricket and this feels like the right opportunity at a time when Australia have no Test matches scheduled," he said.

"Nottinghamshire have an excellent pedigree and they're keen to challenge on all fronts, which really appeals to me."