Sidebottom quits international cricket

England pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom has announced his retirement from international cricket.

The 32-year-old was a member of England's victorious Twenty20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year in the West Indies.

Sidebottom made his decision after helping Nottinghamshire lift the LV= County Championship Division One title last week.

He made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lords in 2001, although he had to wait another six years before earning a recall.

But during the past four years he established himself on the international scene and enjoying success at Test and one-day cricket.

Sidebottom produced a Test hat-trick and returned career-best figures of seven wickets for 47 runs against New Zealand in 2008. In all, he played in 22 Tests.

Sidebottom explained: "I have had a truly fantastic period of my life with England but now it is time to hand over the ball to those a little younger.

"If I look back on my international career I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed.

"Winning the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, my Test debut at Lords, a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, plus a man of the series award, are just a few of the highlights.

"I have been fortunate enough to live the dream with England.

"It has been a fantastic time but I have no doubts that now is the right time to announce my retirement."

Sidebottom has already announced that he is leaving Nottinghamshire after seven seasons and will be joining a new county for 2011.

The Huddersfield-born bowler has been linked with a move to Lancashire and Yorkshire and will also be entered into the 2011 IPL auction later this year.

England team director Andy Flower hailed Sidebottom's contribution to their World Twenty20 success earlier this year.

Flower said: "Ryan Sidebottom has been an important member of the squad in recent years and has excelled in the shorter formats of the game, particularly Twenty20 cricket.

"His contributions in the West Indies were instrumental in England winning our very first global title and on behalf of the team I'd like to thank Ryan for the enthusiasm and commitment he has shown when playing for England and wish him all the very best for the remainder of his career."

Hugh Morris, Managing Director-England Cricket, added: "On behalf of the ECB I would like to thank Ryan for his contribution to England cricket.

"Ryan has been a popular member of the squad and has had some outstanding performances for England in his nine-year career and I've no doubt he still has plenty to offer the sport."