Peter Siddle has claimed that competition for places is crucial to Australia's success ahead of this summer's Ashes series in England.
Australia's preparations are underway as they look to retain The Ashes after a 5-0 whitewash was secured 18 months ago, and they will once again be counting on the form of their impressive fast bowling attack.
Siddle is battling Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for a place in the Test side, and he believes that the strength in depth is important for the tourists.
"I didn't play in the West Indies and [Harris] didn't play – we have plenty of options and everyone is different," he told reporters.
"For the team it is a tremendous thing to have that competitiveness – it makes us strong. We have plenty of options and everyone is different. It will be hard work to get those spots but all the boys are up for the challenge."
The first Test begins in Cardiff on July 8.
Callum Mulvihill
