Australia’s paceman Peter Siddle says he would have risked a long-term injury if he played in the third and final Test against South Africa.

Peter Siddle celebrated a hat-trick and career-best test figures on his birthday to bowl Australia into a commanding position against England.

Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson has bagged the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after being named the ICC Cricketer of the year on Thursday.

Peter Siddle’s two late wickets helped Ashes holders Australia regain momentum at the end of the opening day of the first Test against England.

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting says the pressure will be all on South Africa when the teams play for No. 1 Test team status.