Peter Siddle targets series whitewash

Peter Siddle has admitted it would be "very pleasing" if Australia could claim a whitewash against England in their one-day series.

The tourists are currently 5-0 ahead in the seven-match series and can move closer to the feat today when they play the second of back-to-back matches at Trent Bridge.

Siddle made his first appearance of the series in Nottingham on Tuesday, when skipper Ricky Ponting's imperious 126 from 109 balls helped the tourists chase down 300 with four wickets in hand.

It was a moment to savour for the skipper following a tour that will be remembered for his failure to win the Ashes on English soil for the second consecutive time.

And while Siddle admits the disappointment of losing the Test series would not be overcome by an one-day whitewash, it would provide more than just consolation.

"It would be very pleasing," he said.

"We've copped a lot of grief over the past two months over our performances in the Ashes, so to get a little back here and finish off these last two matches with wins would be a pleasing way to finish.

"We don't want to slacken off now and let all that momentum that we've built up go. We're going to be fighting hard to win the next two and win 7-0."

Australia are likely to shuffle their team in the final two matches with the Champions Trophy, which starts in South Africa next week, in mind.

That policy afforded Siddle his chance on Tuesday when he came in for the rested Brett Lee and, after operating at speeds over 90 miles per hour, claimed figures of one for 50 from 10 overs.

It was just Siddle's second ODI and while he is a novice in the form of the game he is hoping to prove he is worth a regular place alongside fellow quicks Lee and Mitchell Johnson on the faster-paced wickets of South Africa.

"There is plenty to play for personally in these final two games," he said.

"I want to try and secure a spot in the Champions Trophy. That's my aim.

"I know I've got to try and take this chance because Brett (Lee) has bowled so well in the series.

"I don't know if it's a straight shoot-out between us. It could depend on the wickets in South Africa and how they (the selectors) want to line up.

"South African wickets are a bit faster so I might be a chance to play with him rather than against him."