Bowler Sidebottom signs new Tykes deal

Yorkshire County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that seamer Ryan Sidebottom has signed a one-year extension, which will keep him at Headingley until at least December 2015.
Ryan Sidebottom gets the wicket of Paul Collingwood at Scarborough last month  Picture by Gerard BinksRyan Sidebottom gets the wicket of Paul Collingwood at Scarborough last month  Picture by Gerard Binks
Ryan Sidebottom gets the wicket of Paul Collingwood at Scarborough last month Picture by Gerard Binks

Sidebottom, who is in his second spell with Yorkshire, has had an illustrious career. In his 16 years in First-Class cricket, the Huddersfield-born bowler has played 187 matches taking 607 wickets at an average of 24.93. He has also represented England in 22 Test Matches taking 79 wickets at just over 28.

He is currently Yorkshire’s leading wicket-taker this season with 50 wickets and in the current match against Middlesex at Headingley, he returned figures of 4-27 in Middlesex’s first innings from 16 overs.

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“We are very happy that Ryan has signed until at least 2015,” said Yorkshire’s Director of Cricket, Martyn Moxon.

“He has been an exceptional, consistent performer again this season and we hope he will play as long as it is physically possible for him to do so.

“He brings so much to the dressing room. He still remains one of our most consistent performers and his experience is second to none. We want him to mentor our young bowlers and pass on his wisdom.

“He is keen to play as long as he can. Hopefully, he’ll be ready and able beyond a couple of years. It is difficult with a fast bowler to know how long they can go on, but with Ryan he is like a fine red wine and he seems to be getting better and better with age. We are looking after him and managing his workload, which has added to his ability to be successful in Championship cricket.

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“I would be very surprised to see him playing for another county. He is fully committed to Yorkshire and we want him to be part of our plans for many years to come. I can see him ending his playing days here.”

“I am delighted to be committing my future to Yorkshire,” added Sidebottom.

“This is the best club in the world and I feel we are going places. We have some great young lads coming through and they are improving every year.

“I believe within the next couple of years we will win some silverware. With the quality of personnel we have coming through we will be amongst the best teams in the country. That was one of the reasons why I came back to Yorkshire to win trophies.

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“From a personal point of view, I’m feeling very fresh and fit. I am bowling well and enjoy playing. The guys are pulling me along and the backroom staff are managing my workload and I am feeling the benefit. There is no reason why I can’t go on beyond 2015. I’m certainly not even thinking about retirement. It hasn’t even crossed my mind.

“I want to finish my career at Yorkshire. This is my club and to be part of Yorkshire’s future success is something that gives me great pride. The club have put their faith in me and I want to repay them by taking lots of wickets and developing a winning culture.”

Sidebottom, 35, is the 12th player to sign a new deal with Yorkshire this summer.