Peter Siddle appointed New South Wales bowling coach for 2024-25 season
Synopsis
Peter Siddle — 67 Tests, 221 wickets — steps into one of his first formal coaching roles, joining Brad Haddin's NSW setup as bowling coach while still suiting up for Melbourne Stars in the BBL. With Johan Botha added as spin consultant, the Blues are assembling serious coaching firepower before a single ball is bowled this summer.
Key Takeaways
Peter Siddle has been appointed bowling coach of New South Wales ahead of the 2024-25 domestic season .
Siddle will simultaneously continue playing for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) .
Former South African captain Johan Botha joins as a temporary spin bowling consultant after leaving his Queensland coaching role in June .
Siddle played 67 Tests for Australia, taking 221 wickets , and retired from first-class cricket in March 2023 .
NSW's season begins with a One-Day Cup match against Queensland on 22 September .
Former Australian pacer Peter Siddle has been named the new bowling coach of New South Wales (NSW) ahead of the 2024-25 domestic season, joining a coaching staff led by his former national teammate Brad Haddin. The appointment marks one of Siddle's first official roles in coaching since his retirement from first-class cricket.
Key Appointments
Alongside Siddle, NSW has brought in former South African captain and ex-Queensland coach Johan Botha as a temporary spin bowling consultant. Botha had resigned from his Queensland role in June despite having a year remaining on his contract. The dual appointment signals a deliberate effort by the Blues to bolster their coaching depth across formats ahead of a competitive summer.
Siddle's Dual Role
Despite taking on the NSW position, Siddle will continue to feature for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL). He is expected to maintain a strong presence with the NSW group throughout the season, including all Sheffield Shield matches. Siddle retired from first-class and 50-over cricket in March 2023 but has remained active in T20 franchise cricket globally.
What the Coaching Staff Said
Brad Haddin said in a statement: 'Peter and Johan joining the Blues set-up shows that we're committed to having high-quality people around the team. Not only does Peter bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, but he exemplifies how we want our cricketers to play the game. We're confident we have built a well-rounded coaching team ahead of what should be an exciting season for the Blues.'
Siddle himself expressed enthusiasm for the role, saying: 'I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity to mentor this talented crop of players ahead of what will be a massive summer.'
Siddle's Playing Career
Siddle represented Australia in 89 matches, including 67 Tests in which he claimed 221 wickets, before announcing his international retirement in 2019. During his final seasons of state cricket with Victoria, he informally mentored the state's rising pace attack — experience that now translates into a formal coaching mandate.
Season Opener
NSW's season gets underway with a One-Day Cup clash against Queensland on 22 September. With Siddle's pace expertise and Botha's spin credentials now integrated into the setup, the Blues head into the summer with a notably strengthened support structure.
Point of View
Which overlaps significantly with the Sheffield Shield. Brad Haddin is betting that Siddle's credibility in the dressing room outweighs any calendar complications. Botha's addition as a spin consultant, meanwhile, reflects a broader trend of Australian state sides importing specialist knowledge rather than relying solely on homegrown coaching pipelines.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Siddle and why is his coaching appointment significant?
Peter Siddle is a former Australian fast bowler who played 67 Tests and took 221 wickets before retiring from first-class cricket in March 2023. His appointment as NSW bowling coach is significant because it is one of his first official coaching roles, building on informal mentoring he did with Victoria's pace attack during his final playing seasons.
Will Peter Siddle continue playing in the BBL while coaching NSW?
Yes. Siddle will remain part of the Melbourne Stars squad in the Big Bash League while simultaneously serving as NSW's bowling coach. He is expected to be present for all Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season.
Who is Johan Botha and what is his role with NSW?
Johan Botha is a former South African captain who most recently served as Queensland's coach before resigning in June, despite having a year left on his contract. He has been appointed as a temporary spin bowling consultant with NSW for the 2024-25 season.
When does NSW's 2024-25 season begin?
NSW opens their 2024-25 domestic season with a One-Day Cup match against Queensland on 22 September.
Who leads the NSW coaching staff?
The NSW coaching staff is led by former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin, who is Siddle's former national teammate. Haddin welcomed both Siddle and Botha as additions that reflect the team's commitment to high-quality personnel.
