Ryan Sidebottom commits to Yorkshire until end of 2016
Friday 6 February 2015 13:12, UK
Ryan Sidebottom has signed a new deal with Yorkshire that will tie him to the county champions until the end of the 2016 season.
The left-armer, who is in his second spell at Headingley, recently said he wanted to play for another three years to try and get to the landmark of 700 first-class wickets.
Sidebottom, 37, will be starting his 18th season when Yorkshire take on the MCC in the Champion County match in Abu Dhabi next month.
“I am absolutely delighted to be signing a new deal,” Sidebottom told the Yorkshire website. “It’s been a great couple of years for the club, with us winning the Championship and continuing to improve.
“I think it shows where the club is going and I still love playing, the passion is still there. I enjoy coming in and playing with a great bunch of lads.
"We can do great things if we keep continuing in the same vein. It’s about working hard for each other and to build on that team spirit and camaraderie and togetherness. This is a special club, for me, the best around.”
Sidebottom also says his hunger for cricket has not dimmed and, although 700 wickets is something for him to aim at, he would like to go a lot further than that number.
He added: "To get to 700 wickets would be brilliant. I am aware of that milestone and I would like to go beyond that figure.
"That is the challenge I’ve set myself. I just want to remain focussed on the cricket, the younger guys keep me going, keep me fit and motivated. I’d really love to play 20 years if I can.
"To do that as a pro would be an amazing achievement. I enjoy coming in, it’s exciting and I want to be a part of this, I’m passionate about playing, my body is in good shape and I feel great. I want to take wickets for Yorkshire, it’s about winning things and that’s why I’m here."
