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Sidebottom to bow out in the summer

Ryan Sidebottom has announced he will retire after the end of the upcoming season with Yorkshire Cricket Club at the age of 39.

The left-arm seamer featured in 22 test matches England as well as a regular in the limited overs version for England.

During his time, he contributed to England winning the  2010 ICC World Twenty20 trophy as well as stand out performances against the likes of New Zealand.

His career begun in 1997 where he made his debut for Yorkshire and had a spell at Nottinghamshire before returning to his native in 2011.

He has a total of 1,028 wickets in all forms of cricket which includes an astonishing 738 wickets in first-class cricket.

During a mammoth twenty years in first-class cricket, the Yorkshireman has also achieved five country championships in Division one.

Speaking to Yorkshire CCC he said: “There’s a tear in my eye whenever I think about not playing professional cricket again – a game that’s given me so much over the years. But it’s the right time and I want to go out on a high, rather than fade away as that’s just not the sort of guy I am,” said Sidebottom.

“I’ve always tried to play with a smile on my face and give 110 per cent because I absolutely love this sport. It’s been an honour to represent my home county, Yorkshire, play for my country and help make history at Nottinghamshire. I couldn’t have asked for better team-mates and they’ve helped me become the cricketer I am today.

Sidebottom will now turn to the future of cricket, working with the YCCC academy and  the next wave of Yorkshire talent. The southpaw will also be working with his own academy, helping young cricketers who may not have the chance to play cricket.

Sidebottom commented:  “Not everyone has been as lucky as me and that’s something I never forget, so if we can make a difference to a few lives, then it’s all worth it.”

Yorkshire will be hoping for the best send-off possible with an aim winning the county championship for the third time in four years.

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