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Peter Siddle plots Williamson's downfall

Paceman Peter Siddle says Australia must show more control bowling to star NZ batsman Kane Williamson, building pressure by starving him of runs.

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Source: AAP


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Australia will attempt to bore New Zealand's wonderchild Kane Williamson into submission in the day-night Test.

NZ cricket icons Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe believe Williamson will finish as the country's greatest batsman.

Williamson, regarded by some pundits as the best batsman in the world, has certainly lived up to his reputation in the ongoing series.

The zen master has been calm and confident at the crease, waiting for the right ball to unleash a textbook cover drive.

Peter Siddle, set to be recalled for the third Test after being 12th man in Brisbane and Adelaide, preached the value of patience when asked about his plans for Williamson.

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"That's one thing he's very good at and that's one thing we can be slightly better at in our bowling - building pressure and getting them out that way," Siddle said.

"You look at all the class players in world cricket, it's worked hasn't it?

"It worked against Sachin (Tendulkar). It worked against KP (Kevin Pietersen).

"We've got to work hard here, put a lot of pressure on."

Siddle dismissed Pietersen 10 times during his 104-Test career, more than any other bowler.

The former woodchopper did it more often than not by keeping things consistent, starving Pietersen of runs until he made an error.

Siddle has also trumped AB de Villiers six times in 12 Tests, wearing down the South African wizard with his work-rate and accuracy.

The 30-year-old is backing himself to achieve something similar with Williamson, who is less audacious than de Villiers but shares his incredible ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

"I'd like to hope so," Siddle said.

"I've had some good success against him in the past.

"I have troubled him, and had some good battles with him.

"He's been a class player these past 12, 18 months and he has been a handful this series ... he's got a lot smarter with how he plays."

Siddle identified Ross Taylor as another crucial scalp after the former NZ skipper's record-breaking knock of 290 at the WACA.

"They're in good nick," he said.

Siddle feared his international career was over before a call-up for the fifth Ashes Test.

The Victorian had six wickets and 17 maidens in that match, his strong showing a source of confidence after being overlooked in the first two home Tests of the summer.

"I know it isn't that long since I came out and performed," he said.

"It gives myself a boost ... (selectors) know that I can perform when called upon."


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