Ryan Sidebottom 'proud and happy' of his 20-year career
Monday 2 October 2017 16:01, UK
Ryan Sidebottom says he's proud and happy of his 20-year career representing both Yorkshire and England.
Injury may have deprived the 39-year-old swing bowler a last appearance for the white rose at Headingley in the final match of the county season, but he leaves with no regrets.
"I've had so many wonderful messages from ex team-mates, team-mates, people on twitter wishing me all the best for the future and that's been really special and something I'll always cherish." Sidebottom told Sky Sports News.
"To be out there representing Yorkshire and England, being in the battle, winning trophies, to win a World Cup, it's something that will live long in the memory and I'll look back with pride and fondness on the career I've had."
"What an emotional day last week - the fans here, the guard of honour that I got from my team-mates is something that'll live long in the memory.
"My dad was crying his eyes out - he's quite a Barnsley bloke but he was really upset. He had a great career and to follow in his footsteps and do what he's done - to be out there on the hallowed turf and represent Yorkshire and England is something I always aspired to do, so to do both is something I'm really proud of."
Sidebottom took 131 wickets in an international career that included 22 Tests, 25 ODIs and 18 T20s. He took 762 wickets in 230 first-class matches. So what are his career highlights?
"T20 World Cup, has to be. Beating Australia in the final (2010) and have all the hundreds and thousands of England fans supporting us. To win a global tournament, which hasn't been done by an England team.
"Back to back titles with Yorkshire when we lost so many players to England, to do that with a young team is something really special."
Throughout his caree, Sidebottom's trademark mop of curly hair made him an instantly recognisable figure and something his team-mates exploited mercilessly in Yorkshire's end-of-season do.
"We decided to have an Otley run (pub crawl) for our end of season do," he said.
"I'm focused, I want to win and I want to look great and look cool, so I went as Aquaman. I had my hair all frizzed up and make-up on and I had a trident which cost me a lot of money being a tight Yorkshireman.
"So I turn up at the first pub and the boys are all dressed like 21 Ryan Sidebottoms. Obviously, it's a real honour that the boys were all thinking about me, but I think one or two could actually pass for Ryan Sidebottom!"
Sidebottom is looking forward to watching England try and retain the Ashes in Australia this winter and is well-placed to discuss the merits of two of key players, Yorkshire team-mates Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow.
"Joe Root is a wonderful player, he's done a great job - I think he's still learning as well, about being a batsman and a captain.
"I'm sure he's really excited about this winter as everyone is. You need to be a big character and Joe's got that in abundance.
"I'm immensely proud of what Jonny Bairstow has achieved, he's done it under immense pressure.
"He's had to wait for his chance and he's taken it with both hands. When you need a player to stand up and be counted Jonny Bairstow has generally been the one."
The big talking point in the last week has been the incident which saw Ben Stokes suspended from the England team, putting his chances of playing in the Ashes in jeopardy.
"Obviously it's disappointing and really bad timing," said Sidebottom.
"Stokes is a massive player - he's one of those icon players everyone looks towards. He would be a huge miss - but maybe it would allow other players to stand up and be counted."
