Sydney: Veteran seamer Peter Siddle will return to bolster an Australian side keen to halt a losing streak in the first Test against South Africa starting Thursday.


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Captain Steve Smith confirmed Wednesday his XI for the home season opener at the WACA in Perth, with Siddle preferred to the uncapped Joe Mennie.


Australia went down 3-0 in Sri Lanka in July-August to forfeit their top Test ranking, and then suffered a 5-0 thrashing in a one-day series in South Africa.


Siddle, who has been recovering from a back injury sustained in New Zealand nearly nine months ago, will be the third seamer, replacing left-arm spinner Jon Holland.


Batsman Usman Khawaja, dropped after a loss of form in Sri Lanka, replaces all-rounder Moises Henriques from the team that sank in the final Test in Sri Lanka.


Smith praised the 31-year-old Siddle`s 61-Test experience after Australia opted against gambling on Mennie, a surprise inclusion in the squad.


"They`re the kind of bowlers that can really tie up an end... who can hit consistent areas and build good pressure and keep runs down," Smith told Cricket Australia`s website.


"We`ve gone with Sidds for this Test and it`s good to have him back as well after a fair injury lay-off."


Siddle joins the pace attack spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, also recovering from a badly gashed leg, and Josh Hazlewood.


South Africa were not due to announce their team until early on Thursday.


Australia: Steve Smith (capt), David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Joe Mennie (12th man).