Peter Siddle, the veteran paceman, has pleaded for Australian cricketers to be “treated fairly” amid the escalating pay dispute between Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association.
The dispute shows no signs of abating before the June 30 deadline and Australian players have warned of a boycott after that date if a resolution can’t be brokered. The sticking point between the sparring parties is centred on a revenue sharing model that CA wants to overhaul in a bid for greater flexibility to deliver funds.
Siddle believed players were focused on ensuring Australian cricket’s future was stronger. “The players play a big part in Australian cricket. We just want to be treated fairly,” he told News Limited on Sunday (May 21). “It’s not so much to do with the situation we’re in now and pay now, it’s about the longevity of the game and making the game strong for the future and looking at that. That’s the big one… a lot of people believe that we are being selfish at the moment with what we want at the moment.
“But it’s got nothing to do with that, it’s about making the game stronger for when we’re done and for the people that are going to play and continue after we’re finished,” he added. “It’s about making sure cricket’s strong, not just for now but for a long time and we want cricket to be around for a long time.”
Siddle, who has played 62 Tests since debuting in 2008, was recently left out of CA’s proposed list of national contracts after a long period on the sidelines due to a back injury. However, the 32-year-old was confident he could make a Test comeback if his body holds up. “I’ve obviously had a lot of longevity in the Australian team and obviously injuries gives other people opportunities, which is always disappointing,” he said. “But it gives me the challenge of pushing harder to get back in the side, which sometimes can be a bigger benefit than being always that certain starter.
“For me it’s just about getting back for Victoria and I know when I’m 100 per cent fit and bowling well that selection will look after itself,” he added. “I’ll be able to lead-in and play practice matches and get ready to go whereas last year I just went straight into games out of the nets. I’m in a better position and that was the reason for finishing the season early was to give myself every chance to get right for the summer.”