England's Sidebottom quits international cricket

England seamer Ryan Sidebottom announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.

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

He made his decision after helping Nottinghamshire be crowned the winners of English cricket's first-class domestic County Championship last week.

Sidebottom, the son of former Yorksire and England seamer Arnie, made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lord's in 2001, although he had to wait another six years before earning a recall.

But in the past four years he became an England regular and returned Test- best figures of seven wickets for 47 runs 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.

"Winning the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, my Test debut at Lord's, 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."

England coach Andy Flower added: "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."