'I’ve loved my time here over the last couple of years' - Peter Siddle bids farewell to Somerset after 'freak accident' cuts T20 Blast stint short

Peter Siddle suffered a hand injury last month in a T20 Blast fixture against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl. He attempted to take a catch off his own bowling and injured his right hand in the process. The 38-year-old couldn't take part in the fixtures that came after that. Prior to the injury, Siddle had taken 16 wickets at 24.12 in five first-class games and seven wickets in as many T20 Blast outings this season.

Siddle's contract with Somerset was till the end of July but the unfortunate injury has forced him to take a leave prematurely. The pacer gave an insight into the extent of his injury and reminisced about his time playing for the club.

“I’ve loved my time here over the last couple of years,” he said. “I love the Club and I love the boys in the dressing room. It’s a shame because that freak accident in the Hampshire game has caused a bit more damage than we had initially thought, and I’ve been advised not to play for a few weeks so I’m going to miss out on the remainder of my time here. It’s sad because the boys are going really well at the moment in both formats," Siddle said in an interview with Somerset.

“I’d describe myself as a friendly person who likes helping people and that extends to the clubs that I play for. I feel that my experience fits in nicely when it comes to helping squads. I just want to win, so when I go to a team, I just do the best that I can personally and try to help other individuals. Hopefully, I’ve been able to play a small part in helping the senior guys and the younger boys like Tom Lammonby and Kasey Aldridge. 

"I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Club and I’m definitely going to miss it. I’ve probably played my last game for Somerset, but I’ll definitely be back as a supporter to say hi to everyone. I’ll be doing that for sure.”

My days of signing long deals over the summer are behind me: Peter Siddle

The Australian seamer was asked whether he would be seen in a Somerset shirt ever again. Siddle said that he might not sign long-term contracts anymore but he could return for a short stint as a replacement.

“I think my days of signing long deals over the summer are behind me, but if I come back to England and play, it will be as a replacement to cover someone for a short stint. Who knows, if Somerset sign Matt Henry again next year and he ends up missing a month during his stint then maybe I might be able to dust off my boots and pull a kit back on. You never say never.

"I may have a game or two left in me for the Club, but as things stand, I’m pretty sure my county cricket days are done."

Somerset are placed at the top of the South Group with 12 wins in 14 matches in the ongoing T20 Blast.