Sidebottom retires from internationals after 'living the dream with England'

(PA)

The England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 32-year-old, who was a member of England's victorious World Twenty20-winning squad earlier this year, made his decision after helping Nottinghamshire lift the County Championship 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 has established himself on the international scene and enjoyed success at Test and one-day cricket.

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

"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," Sidebottom said. "If I look back on my international career I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed. Winning the Twenty20 World Cup, my Test debut at Lords, a Test hat-trick, 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."

Sidebottom has already announced he is leaving Nottinghamshire after seven seasons and will join a new county in 2011. The Huddersfield-born bowler has been linked with a move to Lancashire and Yorkshire and will be entered into the 2011 IPL auction this year.