Peter Siddle to miss Big Bash to focus on Australia

02:17 - 03 January 2016

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Melbourne Renegades will not have Peter Siddle for the remainder of the Big Bash as he focuses on being ready for Test duty with Australia.

Peter Siddle will forgo any participation in the Big Bash with Melbourne Renegades in a bid to be fit for Australia's tour of New Zealand.

The 31-year-old fast bowler was omitted from Australia's side for the third match of the series against West Indies due to an ankle injury suffered in the Boxing Day Test, his place taken by spinner Stephen O'Keefe.

Such is the extent of Siddle's injury Australia have confirmed he will not feature in the Renegades' final three Big Bash matches, instead focusing on being ready for the two Tests against the Black Caps in February.

"Peter has an impingement in his left ankle," Australian physiotherapist David Beakley said.

"He will return to Melbourne today to commence a period of rest and rehabilitation with the aim of being available for Victoria in their next Sheffield Shield fixture."

In Siddle's absence, Australia started the rain-interrupted third Test well as West Indies finished day one at the Sydney Cricket Ground 207-6, with O'Keefe taking 1-42.