Sidebottom calls it a day

England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom on Monday announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.

The 32-year-old left-arm paceman featured in 22 Tests, 25 One Day Internationals and 18 Twenty20s in a nine-year career.

"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. If I look back on my international career I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed.

"Winning the ICC World Twenty20 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 which spring to mind," Sidebottom said while announcing his retirement.

England team director Andy Flower praised Sidebottom on his career. "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."

Hugh Morris, Managing Director-England Cricket, also paid a tribute to Sidebottom: "On behalf of the ECB I would like to thank Ryan for his contribution to England cricket. Ryan has been a popular member of the squad and has had some outstanding performances from England in his nine year career and I've no doubt he still has plenty to offer the sport."

Sidebottom?s final appearance for England was in the twenty20 international series against Pakistan.