ESSEX have signed Australian bowler Peter Siddle for their 2012 Friends Life t20 campaign.

Siddle, who is 27, has been signed subject to clearance from Cricket Australia.

He will join up with the squad for the opening game of the competition which takes place on Wednesday, June 13 against Surrey Lions at the Kia Oval.

Siddle becomes Essex’s second overseas signing of the season, after Alviro Petersen signed for the first opening months of the campaign.

Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach, said: “We are delighted to have signed Australia’s premier bowler in Test cricket. Australia are looking to keep him fresh for their schedule and for Peter, this will be a chance for him to enhance his one-day skills.

“With Tim Southee not coming back, it leaves us light in our bowling line-up so it will be good to bring him alongside Graham Napier.

“We are all very excited to be bringing in a world-class bowler for our FL t20 campaign.”