How ex-Test hero of Australia Peter Siddle is ageing in reverse; Melbourne Stars v Melbourne Renegades at MCG while fifth Ashes Test is in Sydney

Loading

“I think in the past, it’s always been, ‘I’m playing [state] cricket, so I’m bowling – I’m doing things to get me ready and prepared’,” he said.

“So I had to think of how I wanted to do it this year. I had to try something different.”

“Something different” has been stepping away from programs designed for teammates who are still playing all formats of professional cricket, and working on his own game.

Siddle was one of the Stars’ foundation players in 2011 – although he did not play a match in that tournament because of national duties – and has now played 97 BBL games, mostly for the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades.

He has taken 121 BBL wickets at an average of 20.98 and an economy rate of 7.56.

But leading into last season his career was in doubt. He did not have a contract until two weeks before the first game of the tournament when he was snapped up by the Stars.

He has embraced his new teammates, saying there was a “buzz” around the Stars’ change rooms.

“I think that’s what I enjoy about it. That’s what I love. That’s why I’m still playing the game,” he said.

“Obviously, I love being out in the middle bowling, but also the change room and being around the boys, having a bit of fun, having a laugh, and enjoying my cricket.”

Organisers are expecting up to 60,000 at the MCG for the Melbourne derby, which starts in an earlier timeslot of 6.05pm.

The Renegades come into the game having won just one of their four matches and are in desperate need of a victory to keep their season alive.

But they will need to combat a bowling attack that contains Pakistan star Haris Rauf, England’s Tom Curran and the evergreen Siddle, who have all taken 10 wickets each this season.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.