Ryan Sidebottom to retire at the end of the 2017 season

Ryan Sidebottom has decided to hang up his boots at the end of 2017 season. This fighter of a left arm seamer will quit professional cricket after a successful career which spanned 20 years. This career saw him play for his country as well. He played 22 Tests for England and managed to take 79 wickets.

The 39-year-old played his first professional game at the age of 19 in 1997. He will end his career while playing for Yorkshire, his home county. Ryan sounded emotional when he thought of not playing this game professionally. He said “There’s a tear in my eye whenever I think about not playing professional cricket again – a game that’s given me so much over the years. But it’s the right time and I want to go out on a high, rather than fade away, as that’s just not the sort of guy I am. I’ve always tried to play with a smile on my face and give 110 percent because I absolutely love this sport.”

Sidebottom said that it was a privilege to play for his country and county. He thanked his supportive teammates as he went on to credit them for his abilities. “It’s been an honour to represent my home county, Yorkshire, play for my country and help make history at Nottinghamshire. I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and they’ve helped me become the cricketer I am today,” said Sidebottom.

He also hopes that this attitude of his will help him start the second innings on a high. As he will focus on bringing in new talent and help the kids that cannot play because of the circumstances. Ryan said “I’m hoping that attitude will help me in the next stage of my career, as I focus on the academy and bringing through amazing new young talent, as well as helping reach kids who might not ever have the chance to play cricket due to circumstances beyond their control. Not everyone has been as lucky as me and that’s something I never forget, so if we can make a difference to a few lives, then it’s all worth it.”

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Ryan’s hat trick for England in his 11^th game against New Zealand will remain one of the highlights of his career. This left-arm pacer went on to take over 1000 career wickets out of which over 700 are in first class cricket.