Lancashire's director of cricket Ashley Giles has conceded that he did not expect Peter Siddle to be named in Australia's squad for this summer's Ashes.
Speculation had suggested that James Pattinson would be selected ahead of Siddle, but the latter's form for Victoria in the closing stages of the Sheffield Shield has seen him given the nod.
Siddle, 30, had been expected to play the entire County Championship campaign for the Red Rose, but Giles has admitted that they will now need to secure the services of a replacement seamer.
"It is great news for Peter to be back in that squad, but it is a surprise because we thought we would have him for most of the summer, so it is disappointing," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"But when you sign good players, there is a chance of this happening. We always knew it was a slight risk, but not this big a risk. But good luck to him.
"We are hoping we can still start the season with him and have him for four games up front, but then we will have to look for a replacement after that."
Last year, the bowler had a spell with Nottinghamshire.
