Peter Siddle's five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Sydney Test against South Africa has impressed Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath who feels the standout performance will help the pacer cement his place in the team.
"I hadn't seen much of Peter at all before he played Test cricket but the way he runs in hard, hits the deck and bowls good pace, I've been very impressed with him," said McGrath.
"Peter got his first five-for and, (while) it may cement your spot in a team, I think for you personally it feels like you actually belong there; you deserve to be there," the former pace great said.
Siddle was instrumental in Australia's consolation victory in the Sydney Test on Wednesday. Apart from the fiver in the first essay, he also picked up three crucial South African wickets in the second innings.
Talking about the time he got his first fiver, McGrath said, "I remember when I got my first five-for, all of a sudden I felt like I was contributing and I was part of the team and really playing well. I'm sure Peter will be feeling the same." McGrath also felt Shaun Tait, who said yesterday that he wants to force his way back into the Test side, still had plenty to offer.
"I think Taity has mentioned before that he prefers the one-day format and Twenty20, maybe it (Test cricket) is something he wants to do but it's a decision he has to make," McGrath was quoted as saying in The Daily Telegraph.
"He has something unique bowling at that pace and his action and everything else. I'm sure he's still got a lot to offer to Australian cricket, it's up to him how he wants to do that and what he wants to offer."
