Sidebottom follows Freddie and retires from international cricket
Published:After leading Nottinghamshire to the Division One County Championship, Ryan Sidebottom has announced his international retirement.
Sidebottom was a regular feature in the England side that went on to life the Twenty20 World Cup earlier in the year, and despite missing the ODI series against Pakistan, there was a possibility he would be on the plane to Australia for the Ashes series.
“I have been fortunate enough to live the dream with England,” said Sidebottom, “but now it is time to hand over the ball to those a little younger.”
His retirement means Tim Bresnan is likely to fill his spot when the Ashes squad is announced on Thursday and England are currently 9/4 to win in the Ashes series betting market.
England hasn’t won the Ashes in Australia since the 1986-87 tour and they face a daunting task when they take on Ricky Ponting’s men this time around.
Australia are strong 8/13 favourites to win the series and Ponting has already talked up a whitewash win, but has also admitted that this England side has been impressive in their Test series with Pakistan.
The series tie is 5/1 but with the series taking place during the Australian supper, it’s unlikely we’ll see many draws down under.
Sidebottom joins Andrew Flintoff who retired from all forms of cricket last week after suffering from a knee injury, but Sidebottom will continue to play county cricket despite being without a club after leaving Nottinghamshire after their championship win.
England play their final one day international with Pakistan on Wednesday. See the full England vs Pakistan cricket betting market here.
