Peter Siddle had a lengthy injury lay-off this year but returned to the Australian team for last month's first Test against South Africa.

He had back soreness after that game and scans showed damage around an old stress fracture.

Siddle wanted to return around Boxing Day but confirmed on Wednesday that it will have to wait until next month when he hopes to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.

Peter Siddle said,

“

You never want to miss Boxing Day, but for me it's probably going to be in the New Year now, with the Big Bash. It's disappointing, but exciting as well - it's not too far away and I'm looking forward to that. It's more I'm not quite ready yet, that's the thing. It's a slow process and it's about getting it right. Obviously I pushed it a little bit too hard previously, so I want to make sure it's right this time and make sure it's not a long time on the sidelines. I will get it right, get back and I will be ready to go to finish off the summer of cricket.

”

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