Don't blame workload for my injury: Siddle

Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle has denied that his five-month lay-off with a serious back injury is because of the heavy workload he has carried this season.

Siddle was last week ruled out of this month's tour of New Zealand and the World Twenty20 in the West Indies in April and May with a stress fracture in his back.

"It's definitely not the workload. I hadn't played a lot of cricket for Victoria and I got the call-up and it's been busy, but in that time I have had a lot of rest," said Siddle.

"I came back from South Africa and missed the one-dayers there and missed the one-dayers in Dubai to rest up.

"I came back from India early as well to rest up in that time, so I've had plenty of time to rest and if it's going to happen, it's going to happen."

Siddle, who is targeting a mid-year return, added: "I had stress fractures when I was about 18 or 19 and at the time obviously it was difficult, but the recovery went well and in the end I was back and playing that following year.

"It didn't hold me back at all and in the end it got a lot stronger, a lot fitter and worked out the best for me."

Siddle has played 17 Tests since his debut against India in Mohali in 2008 and has taken 60 wickets at an average of 31.53.