Nottinghamshire Sign Peter Siddle for Vitality Blast Campaign
Nottinghamshire have confirmed the signing of veteran Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle as one of their overseas players for the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast.
The 41-year-old seamer, who is expected to be available for the full Blast season, reunites with Notts head coach Peter Moores, under whom he has played at Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. Siddle arrives in strong form after taking 17 wickets in the most recent BBL season, helping the Stars reach the knockout stages.
Siddle retired from first-class cricket following the 2024–25 Australian summer, bringing to a close an international career that saw him represent Australia 89 times between 2008 and 2019. Despite stepping away from red-ball cricket, he has continued to thrive in the shorter formats.
The Australian will return to Trent Bridge for the first time since 2014, when he enjoyed a productive County Championship spell with Nottinghamshire, claiming 37 wickets at an average of 31.48.
“I’m so excited and really looking forward to heading back to Trent Bridge, and this time for the Vitality Blast,” Siddle said. “I’ve enjoyed my experiences in the Blast before, and coming off the Big Bash, where I felt great and made some good contributions, I can’t wait to get over to England again.
“It’s been great to work with Peter Moores at the Stars over the last couple of seasons, so I’m excited to continue that link-up. Playing in front of the Notts members and supporters was something I really enjoyed last time, and I’m excited to see them again and hopefully contribute to some success.”
Siddle boasts extensive county experience, having previously represented Durham, Essex, Lancashire and Somerset, alongside Nottinghamshire. While much of his county cricket has been in the longer format, he has also enjoyed success in the Blast, taking 17 wickets at 17.88 for Somerset during the 2022 season and featuring again in 2023.
Nottinghamshire, who finished fifth in the North Group last season, have already strengthened their squad with the signing of South Africa spinner George Linde and all-rounder Benny Howell from Hampshire on a T20 contract.
Moores welcomed Siddle’s return, saying: “I’m really excited that Pete has agreed to come back to Notts and rekindle his association with the club. Over the years he’s managed to simplify the game, and his wealth of experience will be really valuable for our bowling group.
“His whole approach to playing and training has allowed him to extend his career, and he’s now bowling as well as he ever has. Having watched him over the last two years at Melbourne Stars, I’m sure our members and supporters are going to love his wholehearted approach.”
Kabir Ali Appointed Lancashire Men’s Lead Bowling Coach
Meanwhile, Lancashire have appointed former England fast bowler Kabir Ali as their new men’s lead bowling coach.
Ali, who played two seasons for Lancashire before retiring in 2014, returns to Emirates Old Trafford following a wide-ranging coaching career in England and across franchise cricket worldwide. He joins the club from Warwickshire, where he spent the 2025 season as women’s lead bowling coach.
“I’m incredibly excited to be back at Lancashire in this new role,” Ali said. “This is a club with a proud history and traditions, and I’m looking forward to working with the whole professional squad.
“It’s a great challenge to help shape our bowling group, and equally important to support the development of the next generation of fast bowlers coming through our pathway. I’d like to thank Mark Chilton for the opportunity and look forward to working alongside Steven Croft, his coaching staff and a very talented group of players.”