Smith hails Siddle showing amid tough circumstances
Steve Smith hailed the mental strength of Peter Siddle after he hit the series-clinching runs for Australia in tough circumstances.
Australia captain Steve Smith heaped praise on Peter Siddle after he hit the winning runs in the day-night Test with New Zealand to clinch the series following a bereavement.
Seamer Siddle's grandmother died overnight on Saturday – the day after he had taken his 200th Test wicket on day one of the third and final match with New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval.
But the 31-year-old battled the heartache and the pain of back spasms to finish the job for Australia at the end of an enthralling third day.
Australia skittled New Zealand for 208 in their second innings, leaving the hosts – who had already ensured at least a drawn series – needing 187 to claim a 2-0 win.
Having been reduced to 66-3, Shaun Marsh steadied the Australia ship with a 49 and put on strong partnerships with Adam Voges (28) and brother Mitchell Marsh (28).
After that trio and Peter Nevill (10) had departed to leave Australia seven down it was Siddle (9 not out) – batting alongside Mitchell Starc despite his broken foot – who withstood pressure from the Black Caps attack to nudge the final two runs beyond point and wrap up the win.
"It is always tough losing someone close to you and we got around Sids this morning," Smith said. "It was great to see him get 200 Test wickets.
"That is an amazing feat and he should be really proud of the way he has performed over the last couple of days.
"He has done a terrific job to be able to fight through that and everything else that has gone on this week to give a performance like he did."