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England bowler Ryan Sidebottom has today announced his retirement from international cricket, effective immediately. The 32 year old Yorkshire-born fast bowler has played 22 Tests, 25 One Day Internationals and 18 Twenty20s for England in an international career that has spanned nine years.

Sidebottom made his debut for England in 2001 in a Test match at Lord's against Pakistan with his last Test appearance coming earlier this year against South Africa in Johannesburg. The fast bowler's most impressive performances came in 2008 on a tour of New Zealand where he picked up 24 wickets including 7-24 in the final Test in Napier and following a successful summer against New Zealand and South Africa was named England's Player of the Year.

The Yorkshireman has found plenty of success in limited overs cricket for England and in particular was been a key member of England's successful ICC World Twenty20 side earlier this year. Sidebottom's final appearance in an England shirt came on September 7 at the SWALEC Stadium taking 2-22 to help England secure a 2-0 series win against Pakistan.

Sidebottom said: "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.

"I have been fortunate enough to live the dream and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me so much throughout my career.

"It has been a fantastic time but I have no doubts that now is the right time to announce my retirement." Andy Flower, England team director, said: "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."

Hugh Morris, Managing Director- England Cricket, said: "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."

File Photograph Copyright: John Fulton