Siddle, Hilfenhaus will not earn them automatic recalls: Nielsen

Tim Nielsen said that fast bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle`s proven track records will be strongly considered.

Sydney: Australia coach Tim Nielsen has said that fast bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle`s proven track records will be strongly considered, but that alone will not earn them an automatic Test recall after injury.

Nielsen said the pair`s performances dating back to the start of 2009 would hold them in very good stead, but that fitness and form would be the ultimate decider. "I don`t think they`d get first dibs, they need to show they are fit and firing and they can come back to international cricket and perform," Nielsen said."I would comfortably say that the performances they have put up in the last 12 months do hold them in very good stead and they would be right there around the mark when the first Test selection comes or even if we play Tests in India as has been mooted."Nielsen is not a selector, but his views are highly respected by Andrew Hilditch`s selection panel, it said. Hilfenhaus, the leading wicket-taker in last year`s Ashes series, made his comeback to competitive cricket on Friday in Brisbane after being sidelined since last November due to knee tendonitis. Siddle, out of action since February due to a stress fracture in his back, starts the next stage of his comeback this week when he walks through his action. It is expected the Victorian will be able to bowl properly in three weeks. ANI