Controversially overlooked for the opening four Ashes Tests in England, Siddle made an impressive return in the series-ending clash at the Oval, claiming 2-32 and 4-35 when his judicious line and length played a key role in Australia's dead-rubber victory.

Just a fortnight shy of his 31st birthday, Siddle believes he still has a lot to offer the national side, and hopes to add the two wickets he needs to join the 200-club come the opening Test against New Zealand at the Gabba next month.

However, he concedes he still faces a fight to retain his role, with Mitch Starc and Mitchell Johnson the frontline quicks, and Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson and himself among those jostling for the final slot.

"It's probably going to be quite similar to England. You've got the three who were playing and then myself and Patto who is coming back from injury. There's a few players. I guess it's going to be the same thing," Siddle said.

"They wanted me to go and take wickets in Shield cricket last year and I took the most when I came back. That's all I can do. That's what I've got to keep doing."

He said his Ashes return had proven to himself – and others – he was not finished at the elite level.

"I have always been the one that has played consistently. You never know how it is going to be, when you are not playing, and how you are going to go when you get the opportunity," he said.

"I think that is the hardest thing. To prove it myself firstly, and to everyone else as well. Obviously, I wasn't playing that series, and to come out and perform the way I did was very pleasing and just showed the hard work you do when you are not playing, it does pay off when you get that chance."

Siddle has yet to play a game in Victoria's domestic one-day campaign this summer and may remain idle for the entire competition as coach David Saker does not yet believe he is part of the side's best XI. The 57-Test veteran, though, continues to work hard and will be ready to impress at the Australian team's training camp, from Tuesday in Sydney.

"As we've seen over in England, even when I hadn't been playing I could come in and be ready to go," Siddle said. "It's disappointing not to be playing but on the other side of things you are fresh and you're feeling good and you are ready to go when called upon."

Siddle will return to the Victorian side for the sole Sheffield Shield clash later this month – a round of day-night clashes using the new pink ball – before the Test squad is announced. The matches will allow the Test stars the chance to adjust ahead of the historic day-night Test against the Black Caps in Adelaide.

"The first Shield game is the pink ball, everyone is getting an opportunity to play with the pink ball. Most of the Test squad probably hasn't had the opportunity to play before, so it will be the first time for most of us," Siddle said

"It's just about playing a day-nighter, seeing what it's like. I have never played one, so it's going to be a new experience."