Aussie pacer Peter Siddle tells espnstar.com’s Chandraboli Mitra that playing for Australia is an unbelievable feeling.

Q. You have become one of the most reliable bowlers for Australia. How does it feel?

A. Playing for Australia is an unbelievable feeling. When I was first selected, I just wanted to perform well. After the thrill of playing my first Boxing Day Test, the South African tour followed. The tour turned out to be a great physical and mental test and then the Ashes series followed, which was also massive. I'm just trying to enjoy myself and improve with every game.

Q. What do you have to say about your recent performance during the Ashes series?

A. Like most of the teammates, I also had some pleasing performances, but England won more of the big moments throughout the series. It was disappointing to lose the series, but I felt I learnt a lot about bowling in those conditions and in pressure situations. There's no doubt that it fired me up for the year ahead.

Q. You have been nicknamed Sid Vicious by your teammates. Do you think you will be able to live up to the expectations during the Airtel Champions League Twenty20?

A. Well, just like the legendary Sex Pistol, I like to play it hard and fast! Fans can expect some of that during the Champions League Twenty20 as well.

Q. Ricky Ponting had recently said that Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson can easily become the backbone of the Australian attack for years to come. How do you react to this? Does it put extra pressure on you?

A. There's pressure to perform every time you go out on the park, so I don't worry so much about that sort of thing. We're all still establishing ourselves at international level, so while it's great to get support from Ricky, we've got to concentrate on getting the job done and on improving ourselves.

Q. After you made your debut for Victoria in 2005/06, you have been troubled by a series of shoulder injuries and underwent a reconstruction during the 2006/07 season. How did you cope during that period?

A. Naturally when you're injured, you want to get back and charge in as soon as you can, but the rehab and recovery takes time. You've just got to work as hard as possible, follow the guidance of the experts and have confidence that you can return stronger and fitter. Victoria's been fortunate to have a fair bit of success in recent years so helping out your teammates and sharing in their success also helps.