Sidebottom to carry on

Ryan Sidebottom will not alter his approach to bowling

Ryan Sidebottom is vowing to continue his tried and tested methods for England after his efforts were rewarded with the Vodafone Player of the Year award.

Nottinghamshire’s 30-year-old left-arm seamer capped a memorable year since being recalled for the second Test of last summer against West Indies at Headingley Carnegie by receiving the annual award at a Lord’s dinner on Monday night.

He received the award after claiming a stunning haul of 53 wickets at 25.24 in 12 Tests since establishing himself in the England Test line-up.

But despite the accolades - including one from Sir Richard Hadlee claiming he was the big danger to New Zealand in the forthcoming Test series - Sidebottom insists he will not change the methods that have brought him all his success.

“I’m not going to go out there and try any harder, I’m not going to change the way I bowl,” he explained.

“I don’t want to get too carried away because things can change so quickly - it’s just a case of continuing doing what I’ve done and if I get wickets for the other guys then that’s great.”

Since being called up for the Headingley Test - when he admitted he thought it would just be for one match - Sidebottom does concede he has improved as a bowler just through the demands of bowling at the world’s best batsmen on a consistent basis.

“I think I have improved,” he conceded. “It’s a massive opportunity for myself and Test cricket is not easy so I’ve just tried to work hard at my game.

“I’m 30 and I still believe I’ve got a few years left in me, but I’ve been around a long time and I suppose I’ve learned my game. It’s helped me relax more and just get on with my job, not worry about the occasion and all the people that were watching.

“I’ve bowled regular overs and I know you have to be fitter and stronger so I’ve worked in the gym as well. The rest and recovery helps and looking after yourself and that’s given me an extra yard (of pace) probably.”