Peter Siddle: Lancashire sign Australia pace bowler

Peter Siddle took 5-71 for Australia at Lancashire's Old Trafford home against England in 2013

Lancashire have signed Australia pace bowler Peter Siddle as their overseas player for the new season.

The 30-year-old will be with the Red Rose county from the beginning of the season until the end of July.

Siddle, who was with Nottinghamshire last year, has taken 192 wickets in 56 Tests and played every match in the two Ashes series in 2013-14.

"Peter is a world class bowler with a tremendous pedigree," said Lancashire cricket director Ashley Giles.

"Having him available for such an extended period will give our County Championship campaign a real boost."

Siddle took 37 wickets in 11 Championship games at an average of 31.48 for Notts and will predominantly play four-day cricket while at Old Trafford.

Lancashire were relegated from Division One last summer, and are hoping to bounce back at the first attempt.

After making his Test debut in 2008, Siddle became a regular in the Australian team and took a hat-trick against England in 2010 when he dismissed Alastair Cook, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad with successive deliveries in Brisbane.

He lost his place in the Test side towards the end of 2014 and has most recently played in the Big Bash Twenty20 tournament for Melbourne Renegades.

"I enjoyed my time in England last season with Nottinghamshire and when I heard of Lancashire's interest I had no hesitation in speaking with Ashley," said Siddle.

"I am looking forward to playing my cricket at Emirates Old Trafford, which is such a fantastic international cricket ground."