Snarling Siddle to do Australia’s new-ball damage once more

Australia’s Peter Siddle may not be the next Glenn McGrath, but he’s proven already in this series that he’s the tourists’ main threat with a shiny cherry in his palm.

In searching for ways to turn a profit in this fourth Ashes Test at Durham, backing Australia’s frontline seamer Siddle to knock over more of England’s batsmen in the first innings than any other Aussie at 9/4, is not a bad way to go.

It’s true that Ryan Harris – also priced at 9/4 to lead Australia’s first innings wicket tally – did indeed achieve this feat in second of three tests at Lord’s with an unexpected five-for, though Siddle’s Old Trafford showing underlined his position as the Aussies’ number one strike bowler.

Four first innings wickets in Manchester, to add to his Trent Bridge five-for in England’s very first stint with the willow, set Siddle on his way to a prolific series so far where he’s currently perched just three behind Graeme Swann in the overall series standings, with 16 to his name.

Therefore, this may actually be a wise time to take a punt at 7/2 on Australia’s white-lipped assassin to finish the series as the top wicker taker while you’re at it.

With Swanny set at miserly 4/7 to spin his way to this accolade and Jimmy Anderson’s 11/4 cast in a little doubt after an unusually quiet Old Trafford performance, with just a pair of wickets to his name, Siddle can prosper.

Siddle’s steely stare and ability to get the new-ball singing has certainly got into the minds of some of England’s top order.

He’s got Kevin Pietersen’s number for sure after sending him back to the pavilion three times in six knocks, whilst uprooting Joe Root and the usually unflappable Jonathan Trott twice apiece.

Expect to see Siddles’ arms aloft once more at Chester-le-Street.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.