With Australia's Ashes tour of England looming, Peter Siddle and Sean Abbott have become the latest players to sign on for a stint in the United Kingdom this coming northern hemisphere summer.
Following last week's addition of Steve Smith to the Sussex team, this week has seen Seab Abbott lock up time with Surrey, and Peter Siddle do the same with Somerset.
While neither player are likely to be anywhere near Australia's 18-man Ashes squad in England, Abbott in particular could find himself in the mix for white ball matches in the coming 24 months for the national team, with an ODI World Cup being played in India during 2023, and the T20 World Cup to be held in the West Indies and United States of America during 2024.
Abbott is coming off an enormous BBL regular season for the Sydney Sixers, and took out Zero Wicket's MVP award.
He has signed a contract with Surrey until the end of July, where he will be able to play both County matches and the T20 blast. His importance to the club becomes even more paramount following an injury to Jamie Overton.
"Sean's skillset and character will be an asset to our dressing room," Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said in a statement.
"We saw what he could do in his brief spell here in 2021 and I've kept in contact with him since, whilst monitoring his performances.
"In Jamie's absence, Sean will bring his own experience of winning trophies and is very capable with both bat and ball. Sean will add real strength to the group."
Meanwhile, Siddle will be with Somerset until the end of July.
He played for the county last year, taking 27 first class wickets at 23.92, while also taking 17 wickets in the T20 blast.
The Ashes will be played from mid June.
