Oz media says 'Mr. Reliable' Siddle playing 'second fiddle' to Johnson, Harris

The Australian media has said that fast bowler Peter Siddle has become 'second fiddle' to his pace bowling companions Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris.

The unleashing of Johnson, who claimed an astonishing 37 wickets against England, reinforced the belief of coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke that properly deployed pace is central to success.

According to News.com.au, although 'Mr. Reliable' Siddle has been the highest wicket-taker under Clarke's captaincy, with 114 at 28 in 31 Tests, and had played 19 Tests on the trot, however, he has increasingly become second fiddle to Johnson and Harris and was 'losing his wheels'.

Speculation is that Siddle's strict vegetarian diet was playing a part in his slowed-down pace as he was always in trouble once Australia's pace attack failed to make an impression during the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

The report said that Siddle has series figures of five wickets at 55 apiece, which is not as bad as Harris, three wickets at 74, but Harris has been exceptional in successive Ashes series.

However, the report added that Siddle need not worry too much because fast bowlers are always suffering injuries so places open up, although this summer has been the exception to the rule, with this match the first change to the attack in eight Tests.