Ricky Ponting Hints at Test Call-up for Peter Siddle and Aaron Finch

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has hinted at Test call-up for Peter Siddle as well as Aaron Finch. Peter Siddle last played in the whites for Australia in November 2016 against South Africa. Meanwhile, Aaron Finch is yet to make his debut in the red ball version. Thus, both these names are a surprise in themselves to make their place in the Australian Test squad.

Peter Siddle has done well while playing for his domestic team, Victoria. On the other hand, Aaron Finch is in fine form in the white ball version in the last one year. In fact, with Australia in the rebuilding stage after the ball-tampering scandal, it makes sense to get back some experienced players on board.

“A lot of people might be surprised to see (Siddle’s) name back in a Test squad but if you look at last summer, talking to him and a few of his Victorian teammates, he bowled as well he’s bowled in a long time,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.

“Reading between the lines with someone like him, they’d be looking at someone to just do a job, tie up an end. He’s good when the ball reverses swings and he’s got that experience on his side, which a lot of players in that squad might not have”.

On the other hand, Ricky Ponting also spoke about Aaron Finch chances. The right-hander is in good form in the last twelve months in the white ball version.

“I’ve seen Finchy up close and personal over the last seven or eight months during the T20 tri-series last summer and then the ODIs in England. There’s no doubt he’s a different player than even he was 12 months ago.

“He understands his own game better than he ever has.

“His four-day cricket for Victoria has probably been better than anyone else in the country, probably apart from (Matthew) Renshaw.”

Meanwhile, Peter Siddle has played 62 Test matches for the Australian team. Therefore, he has all the experience under his belt. Australia will play two Test matches against Pakistan in the UAE. Consequently, Cricket Australia will soon announce their squad.