Australian pacer Peter Siddle is back for first Test against South Africa

Peter Siddle

Peter Siddle

Perth: Veteran seamer Peter Siddle will return to bolster an Australian side keen to halt a losing streak in the first Test against South Africa starting today. Captain Steve Smith confirmed his XI for the home season opener in Perth, with Siddle preferred to the uncapped Joe Mennie.

Australia went down 3-0 in Sri Lanka in July-August to forfeit their top Test ranking.

Siddle, who has been recovering from a back injury sustained nearly nine months ago, will be the third seamer, replacing spinner Jon Holland.