Siddle admits not being fit enough to stand rigours of international cricket

Sydney, Jun 16 (ANI): Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle has admitted that he has not been fit enough to stand up to the rigours of a full international bowling workload.

A promising young career has been punctuated by shoulder and back problems, and Siddle says he now understands the need to reach a higher peak of fitness to maintain his action over long spells.

Siddle, a North Melbourne fan, has trained with the Carlton AFL club as he tries to get ready for this summer's Ashes series.

His most recent back injury has meant months of recovery and rehabilitation this year, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Siddle said his bowling action changed slightly towards the end of a 20-25 over spell and he had to maintain his strength.

"The body over the last few years wasn't in the shape that I would have liked and which (is) probably required to play Test cricket. If you look at Mitchell Johnson, the shape he's in, he's performed well for three years straight and he's been the only one up until now injury free," he said.

"So that's probably credit to him and the way he got his body ready. That's something I've worked hard on over the last few months and hopefully if I've done enough right, I can (withstand) the next two, three, five years, whatever may come," Siddle added. (ANI)