The son of Yorkshire and England's fast bowler Arnie, ‘Sid' has thrived as an opening bowler since his move from Yorkshire in 2004. A tall, high quality seamer, instantly recognisable with his unique haircut, he forced his way into England's Test and One-day teams in 2001.

Always accurate and probing with his bowling, Sidebottom was a popular winner of the Nottinghamshire ‘Player of the Year' award for 2005, finishing with more than 50 first-class wickets in a season for the first time, a feat he repeated in 2006 despite some niggling injuries.

Stephen Fleming was quick to push Sidebottom forward for an international recall, and the left-armer was rewarded for his consistent performances on the county circuit by new England coach Peter Moores at the start of the 2007 season.

He was called up for the second npower Test against West Indies at his old stomping ground of Headingley, and enjoyed a dream return with match figures of 8-86.

He followed up with the first five-wicket haul of his career in the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street and had a memorable joust with India's Sachin Tendulkar later in the summer at Trent Bridge.

A Test hat-trick against New Zealand at Hamilton in March 2008 underlined his rise to prominence which was recognised when he was named England Player and Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

A return to the county scene (he played 8 LV= County Championship games in 2009) served to demonstrate that he still had a lot to offer England but after forcing his way back into the side, a torn thigh muscle cut short his tour of Bangladesh in January.