Peter Siddle, who is on the verge of a recall to the Australia Test team, insists he was never downhearted about being consigned to the fringes of the side.

The Nottinghamshire bound fast bowler has made 57 Test appearances since making his debut in 2008 but has featured only once in 2015, taking 6-67 in the Fifth Test of the Investec Ashes at the Kia Oval.

Siddle, who also relinquished his contract with Cricket Australia during the past 12 months, insists his belief to perform at the highest level never wavered.

“It's always been about not worrying about what I can't control," he said. "That opportunity in England gave me that little bit of confidence that I can come in and perform.

“I think that is the added bonus. I obviously missed out on the first two here but I know it isn't that long since I came out and performed.

“It gives myself a boost but the powers that be above know that I can perform when called upon.

“It didn’t worry me at all,” the Victorian added in relation to losing his central contract.

“I knew last year that I went back to state cricket and performed well and took the most wickets after Christmas of the fast bowlers in state cricket.

“I did the same when I went to England, took wickets again. I have confidence in my own ability, what I can do and that's all I worry about, preparing well and looking for my opportunity.

"You can't worry about the other things, it gives you too much stress. If you worry about little things like that you can't prepare as well as you want to. That's the thing with me I am always positive, and laid back."

Once back in the team, Siddle is keen to ensure that Australia’s young battery of bowlers learn from his vast experience, a mantle he is happy to takeover following Mitchell Johnson’s recent retirement.

“I’ve been around for just a little bit but I've been around and played enough Test cricket, played enough around the world, to be able to give enough knowledge and experience to these guys," he said.

"All these guys debuted with me alongside them, especially Starcy and Patto a few years ago.

“Having that relationship with those guys - I grew up with a lot of them - I think I'll be able to pass on enough to them and work alongside them. Obviously my skill set works well with the way they play their games.

"All in all we're still in a good place. Starcy has shown over the past especially 12 months, the way he can perform, that he can take over that mantle as the type of player Mitch Johnson was in the Ashes: the fast, aggressive wicket-taker.

“Starcy has definitely shown in the past 12 months that he can fill that role - and fill it well.

“Cricket-wise we don't lose too much, but as a mate and a class player we definitely lose out. But I think there's enough players around to cover the role from now on."

The 2015 season has seen dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.

Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.

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