LANCASHIRE have signed Australia Test fast bowler Peter Siddle as their overseas player for the first half of the forthcoming county season, starting next month.

Siddle, 30 years old and an owner of 56 Baggy Green Test caps, will be available from the start of the summer until the end of July, and he will play most of his cricket in the LV= County Championship – as many as 12 matches.

It will be the Victorian's second spell in county cricket after playing for Nottinghamshire for a similar period last year.

Siddle's capture is a notable one, although made possible by the fact he is currently out of the international picture and awaiting the eight wickets he needs to reach 200 in Tests.

His last Test came against India at Adelaide in December, after which he was dropped following a barren Test and a difficult tour to the UAE beforehand.

He has taken eight wickets in three Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria this year, and he will provide valuable experience to a Lancashire pace bowling department which has a youthful look with the likes of Tom Bailey, Nathan Buck and George Edwards all vying for places.

The signing is also likely to reduce the need for former captain and new assistant coach Glen Chapple to play regular cricket.

"I enjoyed my time in England last season with Nottinghamshire, and when I heard of Lancashire's interest, I had no hesitation in speaking to Ashley (Giles)," said Siddle, who took an Ashes hat-trick against England at Brisbane in November 2010 and has been on a vegan diet since November 2012 in order to maximise his fitness for cricket.

"I am looking forward to playing my cricket at Emirates Old Trafford, which is such a fantastic international cricket ground."

Cricket director and head coach Giles added: "We are delighted to have brought in Peter to strengthen our bowling attack.

"Peter is a world-class bowler with tremendous pedigree, and having him available for such an extended period will give our County Championship campaign a real boost.

"He had previous experience of playing in English conditions, and I am looking forward to him adding some additional quality to our squad."

Siddle took 37 wickets in the Championship for Notts last season, including three against Lancashire in a nail-biting win at Liverpool in July. It was his last appearance in county cricket.