Siddle faces another shoulder reconstruction

Peter Siddle, Victoria's best bowler in the Pura Cup final with match figures of 9 for 167, may need yet another shoulder reconstruction in the next few weeks. Siddle, 23, has only managed nine first-class games in three seasons due to ongoing problems with his bowling shoulder.

"I go in next week and will have some scans on it and it looks like I will probably have to go in and get another shoulder reco," Siddle told the Age. "A bit disappointing but it's got to be done, I guess."

Siddle, 23, had a shoulder reconstruction two years ago, dislocated it again at the start of this season and then aggravated the problem a few weeks ago. He was returning throws from the outfield with his non-preferred left hand during the decider, although he was Victoria's most threatening fast bowler and removed Brett Lee to prompt the New South Wales declaration on the fourth day.

Lee was uncharacteristically cautious and it took him 220 balls and 276 minutes to post 97. By that stage he had batted Victoria out of the contest and ensured the Blues would win the title, although a maiden century would have been the icing on the cake.

He appeared nervous as he reached the 90s for the first time in first-class match, edging between the wicketkeeper and first slip before giving Siddle a return catch next ball. However, he was pleased to combine with Beau Casson for a 176-run stand that extinguished Victoria's slim hopes after the pair came together at 6 for 355, with a lead of 420.

"It was just a matter of batting time," Lee said in the Sydney Morning Herald. "When the captain says go out there and bat, we weren't going out there to try to hit fours and sixes every single ball.

"After 50 I thought the chance was there [for a century]; if I can get one 50 there's no reason why I can't get the second. I suppose it gave us a really, really good chance to try to get ourselves set and really spend some time at the crease, which I haven't done for a while now."