Ricky Ponting Compares Peter Siddle With Glenn McGrath After Impressive Show In 1st Ashes Test

After Australia's 251-run victory in the first Ashes Test, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting heaped praise on fast bowler Peter Siddle, claiming that his bowling style is much similar to bowling great Glenn McGrath. Peter Siddle claimed two wickets and scored 44 runs in the Ashes opener, which concluded at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Monday. Under the captaincy of Joe Root, England were bowled out for 146 runs in the chase of of 398 runs on Day 5.

"We know McGrath has a great record at Lord's and loved bowling there. He used to seam the ball back down the slope because he wasn't a big swing bowler. The way Sidds (Peter Siddle) is bowling now is actually quite similar to the way McGrath bowled in his last few years," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were overlooked and Siddle was included in the playing XI for the first Ashes Test match. Ponting feels that Siddle may retain his spot for the second Ashes Test if it will be suitable wicket for the 34-year-old. 

"If it looks like it'll be a wicket that offers a bit to Sidds, he'd stay in. If it looks like it'll be a flat and dry one, there might be a case to make a change," he said.

Explaining Siddle's selection, Langer said, "The way 'Sidds' played in that practice game and the way he's been bowling and the style of cricket we think we need to beat England."

Australia will face England for the second Ashes Test from August 14 at Lord's. 

Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Nathan Lyon, with 6/49 bowling figures, claimed his 15th Test five-wicket haul. Pat Cummins, who became second fastest Australian bowler to claim 100 Test wickets, also scalped 4 wickets. England's 8-match unbeaten streak in Edgbaston (Tests) also came to an end with the defeat.

(With ANI inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Australia Cricket Team Peter Siddle Ricky Ponting Glenn McGrath Cricket