Siddle not lured by IPL riches by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	PM Siddle
Event:	Indian Premier League 2009/10

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DateLine: 9th January 2010

 

Peter Siddle has opted out of the cash-rich Twenty20 event to ensure peak fitness for national commitments.

 

The 25-year-old, who has played 16 Tests and 12 one-dayers, said his priority right now is to cement his place in the national team.

 

"The offer was there to go over but my decision is to give this year a miss and just concentrate on trying to play as much cricket as I can for Australia," Siddle was quoted as saying by the 'Australian Associated Press'.

 

"That's my No. 1 goal, what I want to do. There are a big couple of years coming up and what I want to do is try and play every form (of cricket for Australia)," he added.

 

"I think that period in the schedule we've got is a good time to rest up, get the body fully fit and ready for the big six months we have after we play New Zealand."

 

Siddle joins stars like vice-captain Michael Clarke is keeping away from the league, which is scheduled from March 12-April 25.

 

Siddle said the IPL offers good money but the lure is just not good enough for him to let go of a chance to recharge his batteries ahead of a busy season.

 

"It's a lot of money, but the tough bit is missing a game for Australia. I don't want to do that," he said.

 

"It was bad enough missing that one Test over in Perth. I don't want to miss any more games for Australia so I think this is the best way to go," he added.