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Retiring Australian quick Peter Siddle says it is incredible to see great mate and fellow fast bowler James Pattinson make a triumphant return to Test cricket.

As Peter Siddle calls time on his Test career, his "younger brother" is making an extraordinary comeback to the Australian team.

Every time James Pattinson charged into bowl during the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand at the MCG, his fellow Victorian's face lit up.

Siddle can speak about the trials and tribulations Pattinson has endured better than most.

"I've known 'Patto' since he was eight years old," Siddle said.

"I've played a lot with him in club cricket, all the way up to Victoria and Australia so to see him back out there after what he's gone through is amazing."

The 29-year-old struggled with back issues and even required surgery, before being struck down by a side strain last summer.

This is Pattinson's first Test on Australian soil since a forgettable rain-affected draw against the West Indies in January 2016.

Siddle announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, but will treasure the memories from his final Test series with Pattinson.

"It's been pretty special to play with someone that's like my younger brother and share those moments," he said.

"We bowled together in England in that first (Ashes) Test so we got to play together once more before I got to finish up.

"We have plenty of special memories, but it's always great to see a Victorian out there on Boxing Day."

Pattinson tore through the Black Caps with six wickets for the match, reigniting a fearsome pace cartel with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

In a tearaway spell before lunch on Sunday, Pattinson dismissed New Zealand's top-order of Tom Latham, captain Kane Williamson and veteran Ross Taylor.

"It puts a big smile on my face seeing him charge in," Siddle said.

"Seeing him get some wickets out there is great."