Ryan Sidebottom 'delighted and humble' to have enjoyed 20-year career in cricket
Wednesday 22 February 2017 13:05, UK
Yorkshire bowler Ryan Sidebottom has declared himself “delighted and humble” to have enjoyed such a long career in cricket.
The 39-year-old announced on Tuesday this would be his last season before retiring at the end of the summer after 20 years in the game.
Sidebottom played 22 Test matches for England, taking 79 wickets at an average of 28.2.
He also picked up 29 wickets in 25 one-day internationals and a further 23 wickets in the 18 T20 internationals he appeared in.
Sidebottom has been a Yorkshire regular since losing his place in the England team and admitted last year's disappointment, when they were pipped to the Specsavers County Championship title by Middlesex on the last day of the season, is motivating the team to go one better in 2017.
"I am delighted and humble to have played 20 years, I am very proud of my achievements," Sidebottom told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Playing in a team environment, being with your best friends and trying to win those daily challenges, is something special and it doesn't come round very often.
"Last year was amazing for cricket, to take it to the very last day. Two teams were going hard, trying to win the county championship.
"But Middlesex deserved it, they played the better cricket. It was a big year for the club, we came so close in all formats.
"The lads have been working very hard this winter and are very driven and we are aiming to win some silverware at Yorkshire.
"Twenty years, it's given me so much pleasure and happiness, to be able to finish on a high, on my terms, I am really excited and looking forward to this season.
"I just want to go out, try and contribute to the team to try and win another trophy."
Sidebottom also offered his support to Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root after he was selected as new England captain after Alastair Cook resigned from the role.
"Rooty has grown in stature," he added. "He has matured and his skill level is amazing. He is one of the best batsmen in the world.
"There will be an even more exciting brand of cricket with Ben Stokes under him, they have that aggressive nature and he has got all the shots.
"Joe Root has also inherited a very good, strong, young team which is growing and getting better every game.
"I am looking for Joe Root to enhance England Cricket and for him to become an even better batsman as well."
