Australia have been hit by the news that Peter Siddle will be sidelined for at least five months due to a back injury, with the bowler focussed on getting fit for the Ashes – which Australia are 8/15 with Betfred to win later this year.

Siddle suffered a stress fracture in his lower back during the recent one-day series against Pakistan and now faces a lengthy spell out of action.

The 25-year-old will be forced to sit out the forthcoming tour of New Zealand, which starts later this month, and Australia’s series against Pakistan in England in July.

Siddle is phylisophical about his absence, saying: “It will give me a bit of time to rest, get the body right and a lot stronger and fitter and hopefully a new and improved body when I come back.”

The Victoria paceman is the latest Australia bowling absentee, joining the likes of Ben Hilfenhaus, Brett Lee and Stuart Clark on the sidelines.

In his absence Australia (1/5 to win the 3rd ODI) are going for a third consecutive series whitewash, after taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against West Indies.

Be sure to keep a regular check on the Betfred cricket betting markets throughout the year.