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Sidebottom named player of the year

13/05/2008

Ryan Sidebottom was named England's player of the year last night, just 12 months after being elevated from county cricket.

The Nottinghamshire left-armer has not looked back since being recalled after one Test in 2001, taking 53 wickets at 25.24.

That included a hat-trick on the recent tour of New Zealand, where he emerged as England's leading bowler following the demise of Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard.

"This time last year, I was training for Notts and just playing county cricket so it's been a massive turnaround," Sidebottom said.

"But it's one I'm not getting carried away about and I'm relishing the opportunity to play again for England at Lord's."

Yesterday's honour is not the first for Sidebottom this year. He was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the year, alongside England team-mate Ian Bell and his bowling coach in the England set-up, Ottis Gibson.

Sidebottom remains focused on the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, which starts at Lord's on Thursday.

"I'm going to need to be consistent and keep putting the ball in the right areas and if I can get wickets for my team-mates then that will be just as good," he added.