Siddle hoping for injury-free tour

Peter Siddle is relishing the prospect of touring India

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Victoria fast bowler Peter Siddle is praying his recent shoulder problems are well and truly behind him as he prepares for Australia's tour of India next month.

Still pinching himself a week after earning a call-up to the 15-man squad, the 23-year-old was all smiles as he faced the media just days before departing for the four-Test series which begins in Bangalore on October 9.

Siddle was one of four newcomers named in the 15-man squad last Friday alongside Tasmania off-spinner Jason Krejza, New South Wales quick Doug Bollinger and Bushrangers team-mate Bryce McGain.

Long regarded as one of Australia's most promising youngsters - he once took 11 for 47 in a state Under-17 match - Siddle has been plagued by shoulder problems that have curtailed his career to just 11 first-class matches.

That he has captured 41 wickets at 21.65 in that time shows why selectors have kept faith in him.

Siddle - nicknamed 'Vicious' or 'Dermie', after former Hawthorn AFL great Dermott Brereton because of his blond tips - had his second shoulder reconstruction after Victoria's Pura Cup final loss to NSW in March after picking up match figures of nine for 167.

"It's all coming along real quickly now, it's feeling great," he said. "I'm just getting ready to get right into cricket now. I can't wait."

Siddle realises he will most likely be watching from the dressing rooms as Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark lead the Australia bowling attack but says just being selected in the squad is a bonus.

"Obviously the main aim is to get over there and hopefully get my first Test. But we've got a great bowling attack. If they're going well they're not going to change the side," Siddle said.

"I'm just going to do my best in the nets and try my hardest, keep fit and if the opportunity comes up it's going to be a great chance. If it doesn't come up, there's obviously a lot of time down the track to hopefully get on another tour and hopefully wear the baggy green."