England pacer Sidebottom announces retirement

London:

England pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom retired from international cricket with immediate effect on Monday after a nine-year international career that included 22 Test appearances.

The 32-year-old Sidebottom last played for his country in the Twenty20 victory over Pakistan earlier this month. During his career, he also played 25 one-day internationals and 18 Twenty20 matches.

"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," Sidebottom said. "It has been a fantastic time but I have no doubts that now is the right time to announce my retirement."

The Nottinghamshire paceman was a member of England's victorious World Twenty20-winning squad earlier this year in the West Indies.

"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. "I have been fortunate enough to live the dream."

Sidebottom made his debut for England in a Test match against Pakistan at Lord's in 2001 but had to wait six years for his second Test. His last Test appearance came against South Africa in Johannesburg earlier this year.

His bowling average was 28.24 in Tests and he claimed one 10-wicket haul -- against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2008 --as well as taking five wickets in an innings five times.

"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," England coach Andy Flower said.

"His contributions in the West Indies were instrumental in England winning our very first global title."