Hubbry Logo
Ryan SidebottomRyan SidebottomMain
Open search
Ryan Sidebottom
Community hub
Ryan Sidebottom
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ryan Sidebottom
Ryan Sidebottom
Ryan Sidebottom
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Ryan Jay Sidebottom (born 15 January 1978) is a former England international cricketer who played domestic cricket for Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire and retired in 2017, after taking more than 1,000 career wickets.[1] He is the only player in the last 15 years (as of 2017) to win 5 county championships[2] and also won the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 with England.[3]

Key Information

He was primarily a left-arm fast-medium bowler. Sidebottom played his first Test match in 2001 against Pakistan, but failed to take a wicket and was dropped for six years. In 2007, he was brought back into the side following an injury to Matthew Hoggard and took four wickets in his first innings. He went on to become a prolific bowler for England over the next two years, though injuries saw him lose his place in the Test side in 2009. He retired from international duty on 20 September 2010,[4] after playing 22 Tests for England and winning the 2010 ICC World Twenty20.

He took the 37th Test cricket hat-trick in his 11th match for England against New Zealand, becoming the 11th English player to do so, on 8 March 2008, and on 23 March, he took his third five-wicket haul in the same series, breaking the previous record for an Englishman in New Zealand.

He is a former pupil of King James's Grammar School, Almondbury, Huddersfield.[5] He has two children, a daughter, Indiana Nell, and a son, Darley Jack with his first wife Kate. He now lives with his second wife Madeleine and her son Louis. His father, Arnie Sidebottom, was also a cricketer, and played one Test match for England in 1985 against Australia, as well as playing professional football.

Career

[edit]

Sidebottom started playing as a young boy for Holmfirth Cricket Club and Kirkburton Cricket Club in his native West Yorkshire, his father being the club professional at the former [1]. He made his debut for his native Yorkshire in 1997. The winner of the NBC Denis Compton Award two years running, (in 1999 and 2000), he finished as the leading domestic English-bowler at the end of 2000, conceding only 12.5 runs for each of his 24 wickets, and capping this with a nomination for Cricketer of the Year by the Cricket Writers' Club. Injury problems took away much of his 2000 season, but, during the winter, Sidebottom toured the West Indies with England A, taking 16 wickets at a bowling average of 16.81. He made his international debut the following summer against Pakistan in place of Matthew Hoggard. He played in two ODIs in October 2001 against Zimbabwe.

Sidebottom left Yorkshire to join Nottinghamshire at the end of the 2003 season, having taken 163 wickets for Yorkshire at an average of 25.12. At Nottinghamshire, he took 50 wickets in both the 2005 and 2006 seasons, helping them to the County Championship title in 2005. He has won five County Championships in total; he won the title with Yorkshire in 2001, 2014 and 2015[6] after returning to the county of his birth, and with Nottinghamshire in 2005 and 2010.[7]

He sports a flamboyant hairstyle which has led to the dressing room nickname of "Sexual Chocolate".[8] Sidebottom's long hair indirectly led to a second nickname, "Stringfellow", after a hapless Henry Blofeld repeatedly confused him with long-haired nightclub impresario Peter Stringfellow during the first Test match against New Zealand in 2008.[9]

On 22 February 2017, Sidebottom announced that he would be retiring from first-class cricket in all formats, commencing at the end of the 2017 County Championship. He now runs a Cricket Academy and Foundation.

Sidebottom was appointed bowling consultant for Surrey, on 14 March 2018.[10]

In 2019, Sidebottom appeared on the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice alongside professional skater Brandee Malto.[11] Following a skate-off against Melody Thornton and Jane Danson, Sidebottom and Danson were eliminated in Week 7.[12]

His international career is now behind him but he can draw much satisfaction not only from the manner in which he took a belated second chance in international cricket, but the way that latterly he has committed himself with skill and determination to an extended career on England's professional circuit with Yorkshire, the county of his birth.[13]

International Test career

[edit]

Debut—Pakistan 2001

[edit]

Sidebottom made his international Test debut at Lord's in May 2001, as England took on Pakistan. Batting first, England made 391 and in reply, Pakistan made 203 and 179, with the away side sinking to an innings and 9 run defeat. Sidebottom contributed four with the bat and finished with figures of 0–38 and 0–26.[14]

West Indies 2007

[edit]

Following this match, Sidebottom had to wait another six years before being recalled to play in the England side to face the West Indies in the second Test in May 2007, following the injury to Matthew Hoggard in the opening match. His first Test victim was Chris Gayle, trapped leg before wicket, and Daren Ganga, Dwayne Bravo and Corey Collymore soon followed, as he finished with figures of 4–42. The West Indies followed on, and Sidebottom again impressed, taking the wickets of four of the top order batsmen, ending with 4–44. The hosts eventually won by a record innings and 283 runs.[15]

In the third Test, Sidebottom contributed a useful 23 over the two innings and finished with match figures of 3–101 as England won by 60 runs.[16] In the final match of the series, he took his first international five wicket haul during the West Indies' first innings, finishing with 5–88, hit an unbeaten 26 in England's reply, and then bowled fifteen overs for 40 runs, with no reward, as the hosts won by 7 wickets and wrapped up a 3–0 series victory.[17]

India 2007

[edit]

Following these excellent performances, Sidebottom was included in the England squad to take on India in the second 2007 summer series. In the first Test, he again impressed, taking 4–65 as India struggled to 201. He then followed that in the second innings with 2–42 as the match fizzled out into a draw, with England just one wicket from victory.[18] As England slumped to a seven wicket defeat in the second Test, Sidebottom finished with figures of 1–75 (at an economy of 2.08) and 0–23. However, he was deemed extremely unlucky only to finish with one wicket as he found copious amounts of swing and troubled a number of batsmen. Ashley Giles remarked, "One wicket in the first innings did not do his excellent bowling justice."[19] He also made 18* and 25* with the bat, as he began to establish himself as a competent and reliable number 9.[20]

In the final Test of the summer, and the third of the series against India, Sidebottom bowled a controlled 32 overs for 93 runs, taking the wicket of Dinesh Karthik as the visitors amassed 664. However, he injured himself and did not bowl another ball in the match.[21] Whilst batting, he fell for 2 in the first innings and was 3* at the end of the second, as the hosts held out for a draw. This could not stop India recording a 1 – 0 series win.[22]

Sri Lanka 2007/08

[edit]

Sidebottom had an up down series in the tour of Sri Lanka. In the One Day International series, he took 12 wickets in five matches but struggled in the Test matches taking five wickets in three tests at a disappointing average of 63.60. Sri Lanka won the Test series 1–0 and England won the One Day Series 3–2.

New Zealand 2007/2008

[edit]

Sidebottom then accompanied the England team on their tour of New Zealand. Over the five ODI matches he took six wickets at an average of 34.16, behind only Stuart Broad's eight wickets at 25.75. He did not make much impact with the bat, however, scoring six runs in total and averaging only three, much overshadowed by fellow bowler Broad's average of 52.00.[23]

In the first Test match, Sidebottom started the first day the pick of the England bowlers, taking two wickets. The first innings ended on Day 2, Sidebottom with 4 wickets in total, 2 wickets from the last 2 balls of the innings.[24] Despite missing out on a hat-trick with the first ball of the second innings (after forcing Jeetan Patel to edge his shot to Andrew Strauss, then cleaning Chris Martin for a duck), he went on to take the 37th Test cricket hat-trick, and the first in 2 years, in New Zealand's second innings. Dismissing Stephen Fleming (caught by Alastair Cook) with the final ball of his ninth over, he then dismissed Mathew Sinclair (also caught by Alastair Cook) and Jacob Oram (lbw) with the first two balls of his tenth over.[25] With the dismissal of Oram he also claimed his second five wicket haul in an England Test match and when he went on to dismiss Kyle Mills and Daniel Vettori he recorded his first Test match ten wicket match.[26]

Sidebottom went on to take another two five wicket hauls, resulting in one five-for in each Test of the series (including a first-class personal best of 7/47 in the first innings of the third Test), breaking the previous record for an England bowler in New Zealand. His spell was nominated to be the Best Test Bowling Performance of 2008 by ESPNCricinfo.[27] As a result of his superb form within the series, taking 24 wickets to double the next best effort of Monty Panesar and Chris Martin who each took 11, he was voted Man of The Match and Series after the final Test.[28]

Thanks to this performance in the above-mentioned series he was ranked sixth on the ICC Test Bowling Rankings, the highest ranking English bowler for 5 years. For his performances in 2008, he was named in the World Test XI by ICC.[29] On 25 June, he was involved in a controversial incident, colliding with New Zealand batsman Elliot in a 50 over match. He was subsequently left out of the second Test against New Zealand.

He retired from international cricket on 20 September 2010. On the subject of his time with the England team, Sidebottom said "If I look back on my international career I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed. I have had a truly fantastic period of my life with England. Winning the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, my Test debut at Lords, a Test hat-trick against New Zealand, plus a Man of the Series award, are just a few of the highlights."[30]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ryan Sidebottom

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryan Jay Sidebottom (born 15 January 1978) is a retired English cricketer renowned for his left-arm fast-medium swing bowling, who represented England in all formats and played domestic cricket primarily for Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, to former England Test cricketer and footballer Arnold "Arnie" Sidebottom, Ryan Sidebottom made his first-class debut for Yorkshire in 1997 at age 19. He contributed to Yorkshire's County Championship victory in 2001 and the C&G Trophy in 2002 before transferring to Nottinghamshire in 2004, where he helped secure titles in 2005 and 2010. Sidebottom rejoined Yorkshire from 2011 until his retirement in 2017, contributing to further County Championship wins in 2014 and 2015 and amassing over 1,000 wickets across formats in a county career spanning more than 500 matches. Sidebottom's international career began with a Test debut against Pakistan in 2001, following an ODI debut in the same series, marking him as the first son of an England Test player to represent the national side. After an initial one-cap stint, he staged a remarkable comeback in 2007 at age 29, taking 8 for 86 on his return Test against the West Indies at Headingley and claiming 24 wickets that summer to earn a central contract. His peak came in 2008, when he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year and England's Player of the Series in New Zealand with 24 wickets in three Tests. Sidebottom played a pivotal role in England's 2010 ICC World Twenty20 triumph, taking 23 wickets across 18 T20Is at an average of 19.00. He retired from ODIs in 2009 and Tests in 2010 after 22 Tests (79 wickets at 28.24), 25 ODIs (29 wickets at 35.82), and 18 T20Is. In , Sidebottom captured 762 wickets in 230 matches at an average of 23.80, with a best of 7 for 37. His List A record includes 198 wickets in 186 games at 30.97, while in T20 cricket, he took 93 wickets in 85 matches at 23.10. Post-retirement, Sidebottom coached to the 2018 title and appeared as a contestant on the ITV reality show Dancing on Ice in 2019.

Early life

Family background

Ryan Sidebottom was born on 15 January 1978 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. His father, Arnie Sidebottom, was a professional cricketer who played for Yorkshire from 1973 to 1991, taking 596 first-class wickets, and earned a single Test cap for England against Australia in 1985. Arnie, originally from Barnsley, also had a brief career as a footballer with Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, and Halifax Town before focusing on cricket. The Sidebottom family came from modest, working-class roots, with Arnie providing early coaching that shaped Ryan's introduction to the and influenced his technique. He has a , Dale. Standing at 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in), Sidebottom developed a left-handed batting stance, which he inherited from his mother, Gillian.

Education and early cricket

Ryan Sidebottom attended King James's School in Almondbury, near , where he participated in alongside other sports during his formative years. His introduction to competitive came through local clubs in , beginning as a young boy at Kirkburton Cricket Club and later playing for Cricket Club, where his father served as the professional coach. A left-handed batter by nature, Sidebottom developed into a left-arm fast-medium bowler, honing his skills under familial guidance and drawing motivation from his father's own professional cricketing heritage. Entering Yorkshire's youth system, Sidebottom encountered significant early hurdles, including a rejection at an Under-15 trial where he was relegated to and informed by a coach that he would "never be good enough at ," despite taking two wickets in his assessment. He persisted through the academy setups but often found himself overshadowed by taller, quicker-paced bowlers who dominated selection opportunities, limiting his initial progress and recognition. These experiences fueled his determination, leading to his first professional contract with in 1997 at the age of 19, marking the culmination of his youth development and the start of his county career.

Domestic career

Time at Yorkshire (1997–2002)

Ryan Sidebottom made his professional debut for Yorkshire in in 1997 at the age of 19. He followed this with his first-class debut later that year against at , where he claimed figures of 3-71 in his initial outing. These early appearances marked the beginning of his development as a left-arm fast-medium bowler, drawing on the perseverance honed through his youth in club cricket. Sidebottom's progress accelerated in the late , earning him Yorkshire's Denis Compton Award for the most promising young player in 1999. He received his county cap in 2000, the same year he finished as the top-ranked England-qualified bowler in the national averages despite missing time due to a hip injury. His form earned him selection for England A tours to the and in 2001, paving the way for his initial call-up to the senior squad that summer. The 2001 season represented Sidebottom's breakthrough, playing a pivotal role in Yorkshire's title-winning campaign—their first since 1995. This haul included strong support alongside teammates like and in a potent pace attack that underpinned the county's success. Sidebottom contributed to further silverware in 2002 by helping secure the C&G Trophy, a one-day competition victory that highlighted his versatility. Over this formative period from 1997 to 2002, he claimed more than 150 first-class wickets for , establishing himself as a key domestic performer with consistent swing bowling.

Spell with Nottinghamshire (2003–2010)

Sidebottom joined at the end of the 2003 season, leaving after taking 163 first-class wickets there, in pursuit of greater playing opportunities to revive his career prospects. He signed a three-year with the club, debuting in 2004 and quickly establishing himself as a key member of their pace attack. His most productive period came in , when he claimed 50 first-class wickets at an average of around 25, forming a potent seam that propelled to the title—their first since 1987. Sidebottom's consistent and ability to extract movement from the pitch were instrumental in several victories, including multiple five-wicket hauls that dismantled opposing line-ups. The following year, 2006, brought injury setbacks, with Sidebottom sidelined by a combination of strains and niggles that restricted him to limited appearances and prompted concerns over his long-term fitness. Sidebottom's form at Nottinghamshire aligned with his international recall in 2007, though England duties reduced his county availability in subsequent years. He bounced back strongly by 2010, his final season with the club, taking 27 first-class wickets in just eight matches at an average of 21.55, including a crucial dismissal in the title-deciding game against Yorkshire that helped secure Nottinghamshire's second Championship win in six years. Over his seven seasons, Sidebottom amassed 284 wickets across all formats for Nottinghamshire, featuring numerous five-wicket hauls and underscoring his status as a prolific domestic performer.

Return to Yorkshire (2011–2017)

After spending seven seasons with Nottinghamshire, Ryan Sidebottom returned to his boyhood county Yorkshire in 2011 on a three-year contract, marking an emotional homecoming to the club where he had begun his professional career. The move allowed the left-arm seamer to leverage his experience from the Nottinghamshire stint, where he had developed greater consistency despite injury challenges, to bolster Yorkshire's bowling attack. Sidebottom quickly re-established himself as a cornerstone of the team, taking a career-best 62 first-class wickets in his first season back at an average of 22.00, including three five-wicket hauls and a best of 7 for 37 against at . Over the next few years, his contract was extended multiple times—first to 2014 in 2012, then to 2016 in 2015, and finally to cover 2017 in late 2016—reflecting his enduring value despite entering his late 30s. As a senior figure, Sidebottom played a pivotal role in the dressing room, mentoring emerging bowlers like and Jack Brooks while contributing to Yorkshire's resurgence in the . His experience was instrumental in the team's back-to-back title wins in and , the latter seeing him take key wickets in the decisive match against at , where he claimed three in his opening over to spark a collapse. In the final-day victory over —his former county—Sidebottom's 4 for 6 sealed Yorkshire's first title in 13 years, capping a haul of 48 wickets that season. These successes brought his personal tally to five, a record unmatched by any player in the previous 15 years. Sidebottom took 53 wickets in 2013, placing him second in Division One, and was awarded the Members' Player of the Year that year. By the end of his second spell at Yorkshire, Sidebottom had claimed over 400 wickets across all formats, maintaining averages around 20-22 in first-class cricket through his early 30s before a natural age-related decline in pace and volume toward 2017. In his final season, he reached the milestone of his 1,000th career wicket (across all formats) in April against Warwickshire, a fitting achievement for a bowler who had long prized such benchmarks. Sidebottom announced his retirement from first-class cricket in February 2017, planning to bow out at season's end after 21 professional years, having taken 762 first-class wickets overall.

International career

One-day international cricket

Ryan Sidebottom made his One Day International (ODI) debut for England against Zimbabwe on 7 October 2001 at Harare Sports Club, Harare, taking 1 wicket for 41 runs in a match England won by 13 runs. Over the course of his ODI career, which spanned until his final appearance against Bangladesh on 28 February 2010 at Mirpur, he played 25 matches, capturing 29 wickets at an average of 35.83 and an economy rate of 4.88, with best figures of 3/19. As a left-arm fast-medium bowler, Sidebottom often served as the third seamer in England's white-ball lineup, leveraging his ability to generate swing, particularly during the powerplay overs, to disrupt early batting partnerships on helpful pitches. Sidebottom's contributions in ODIs were typically supportive rather than headline-grabbing, focusing on building pressure through consistent lines outside off stump and exploiting seam movement. Sidebottom's international limited-overs career also extended to Internationals (T20Is), where he debuted against on 28 June 2007 at , London, taking 1/25 in England's six-wicket victory. In 18 T20I matches, he secured 23 wickets at an average of 19.00 and an economy of 7.14, with best figures of 3/16 against in 2009. His most notable T20I impact came during England's triumphant 2010 ICC World Twenty20 campaign in the , where he played all seven matches, including crucial roles in the knockout stages. In the semi-final against on 13 May 2010 at , Sidebottom bowled 4 overs for 24 runs and 1 wicket, removing opener early to help limit to 128/6, setting up England's seven-wicket win. He followed this in the final against on 16 May 2010 at , Barbados, with figures of 2/26 from 4 overs, dismissing with the third ball of the innings and later , contributing to 's total of 147/6 and England's seven-wicket triumph—the nation's first global limited-overs title. These performances underscored his value in high-pressure T20 scenarios, blending swing with variations to complement spinners like .

Test cricket

Ryan Sidebottom made his Test debut for against at in May 2001, where he scored 4 runs but did not bowl. He was subsequently dropped and did not feature in another Test for six years, during which time he honed his skills in domestic , particularly with , where his consistent performances with the ball earned him a reputation for under English conditions. Sidebottom's left-arm fast-medium pace, combined with his ability to extract movement off the pitch, made him a reliable option for county sides, but international opportunities remained elusive until injuries to key players opened the door in 2007. Sidebottom's resurgence began with his recall for the second Test against at in May 2007, where he claimed 4 for 42 in the first and 4 for 44 in the second, finishing with match figures of 8 for 86 to help secure an victory. He retained his place for the subsequent home series against , taking 8 wickets across the three Tests, including a , as fought back to draw the series 1-1. Later that year, during the tour of , Sidebottom contributed 17 wickets in three Tests, demonstrating his adaptability to subcontinental conditions with disciplined line and length that complemented the spin attack. These performances marked a turning point, establishing him as a cornerstone of 's pace battery during a period of transition. Sidebottom reached the peak of his Test career in 2008, particularly during the tour of , where he took 24 wickets in three s at an average of 17.08, including a in the first at Hamilton and career-best figures of 7 for 47 in the decisive third at Napier. His efforts were instrumental in England's 2-1 series win, earning him Man of the Series honors. Returning home, he continued his strong form in the series against , taking key wickets in challenging conditions at , though injuries began to surface later in the summer. Sidebottom's contributions during this 2007-2008 period were vital to England's rise to the No. 1 spot in the ICC rankings in August 2008, following their victory over at , as his provided crucial breakthroughs in tight situations. Injuries hampered Sidebottom's availability from 2009 onward, limiting him to just six more Tests as ankle and side strains restricted his participation in key series against and . Despite sporadic appearances, he remained a squad member, drawing on his domestic form to earn recalls. His final Test came against at in June 2010, where he bowled 35 overs across two innings, taking 1 wicket while supporting England's dominant 8-wicket victory. Over his 22-Test career, Sidebottom captured 79 wickets at an average of 28.24, with 5 five-wicket hauls, underscoring his role as a reliable performer during England's most successful era in .

Retirement

International retirement

Ryan Sidebottom announced his retirement from on 20 September 2010, at the age of 32, shortly after England's victory in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 and his final involvement with the Test squad during the series against earlier that year. The decision came with immediate effect, marking the end of a nine-year international career in which he played 22 , taking 79 wickets at an average of 28.24, alongside 25 One Day Internationals and 18 Internationals. The primary reasons for Sidebottom's retirement were a series of injuries that had limited his consistency in the Test arena, combined with his desire to extend his county cricket career and allow younger players to take on international responsibilities. In a statement, he expressed that it was "the right time" to step aside, reflecting on having achieved more than he had ever dreamed, including key contributions during England's successful 2007–2008 period. This move was seen as a strategic choice to prioritize his physical well-being and focus on domestic commitments with Nottinghamshire. Tributes poured in from the (ECB) and teammates, highlighting Sidebottom's enthusiasm and pivotal role in the team's success. ECB managing director Hugh Morris praised his "outstanding performances" and popularity within the squad over nine years, while team director commended his contributions to the 2010 World triumph and thanked him for his unwavering commitment. An emotional farewell unfolded at , where Sidebottom received accolades from colleagues for his dual impact on club and country. The retirement enabled Sidebottom to concentrate fully on Nottinghamshire's push for the 2010 title, which they secured for the first time since 2005, with his all-round performances proving crucial in the decisive match against .

First-class retirement

Ryan Sidebottom announced his retirement from all professional on 22 February 2017, bringing to an end a 20-year career that had already seen him retire from international duty in 2010. At age 39, he expressed a desire to bow out on a high note after contributing to five titles—two with Nottinghamshire in 2005 and 2010, and three with in 2001, 2014, and 2015—rather than diminishing his legacy through gradual decline. Sidebottom highlighted his enduring passion for the game, stating that he had always aimed to give 110 percent effort while playing with a smile, but recognized the timing as right following two decades as a fast bowler. Sidebottom's final first-class appearance came in Yorkshire's Division One match against at from 5 to 8 2017, providing an emotional at his spiritual home ground. In the first innings, he bowled 20 overs, claiming 3 wickets for 62 runs—including dismissals of , Stevie Eskinazi, and Sam Robson—to help restrict to 272 for 8 declared, though the match ended in a draw as rain curtailed play on the final day. Teammates honored his departure with guards of honour at and earlier at Scarborough, underscoring the respect he commanded after a career marked by resilience and prowess. Reflecting post-season, Sidebottom described feeling "proud and happy" with his achievements, including 762 first-class wickets across 230 matches at an average of 23.79. He cited the physical demands of prolonged and a wish to spend more time with family as key factors in his decision, noting the emotional challenge of leaving a that had defined his life but affirming it allowed him to exit at his preferred peak. His legacy in endures as a pivotal figure in Yorkshire's successes and a model of dedication, having taken over 1,000 wickets across all formats.

Post-retirement activities

Coaching roles

Ryan Sidebottom founded the Ryan Sidebottom Academy in 2013, based in , to provide structured for young players aged eight to 15 across the county. The academy offers weekly sessions emphasizing skill development and has expanded to include the Ryan Sidebottom Foundation, which provides free long-term scholarships to underprivileged children in the region, aiming to nurture talent from diverse backgrounds. Drawing on his expertise as a swing bowler from his playing career, Sidebottom's programs focus on technical proficiency and game understanding for aspiring cricketers. In March 2018, Sidebottom joined as a bowling consultant, working alongside head coach Geoff Arnold to advise on strategies, particularly swing techniques that were central to his own 22 Test wickets for . His role contributed to Surrey's title win that season, with Sidebottom providing targeted sessions on seam position and pace variation for the club's seamers. In January 2025, Sidebottom traveled to to serve as a bowling coach for the third phase of the Engro Cricket Coaching Project, organized in collaboration with the , where he mentored selected under-17 and under-19 pacers in . During the initiative, he shared insights from his international experience, emphasizing fundamentals and mental preparation to help develop emerging fast bowlers in the region.

Media and public engagements

Sidebottom transitioned into various public-facing roles that leveraged his sporting profile for entertainment and outreach. In 2019, Sidebottom appeared as a contestant on the eleventh series of ITV's , partnering with professional skater Brandee Malto. He reached Week 7 of the competition before being eliminated in a double skate-off alongside actress on 17 February 2019. During , Sidebottom incorporated skating into his fitness routine to maintain physical condition post-retirement. Sidebottom has established a career as an after-dinner speaker, focusing on themes of perseverance drawn from his cricketing comebacks and international success. He is represented by agencies such as Champions Speakers and Cricket Speakers UK for bookings at corporate events, dinners, and awards ceremonies. Since 2020, Sidebottom has served as an occasional television pundit, providing analysis on county and England matches for broadcasters including BBC and Sky Sports. Notable appearances include insights on England's Test series against Pakistan in 2022 for Sky Sports and discussions on BBC's Test Match Special during Mental Health Awareness Week. In 2025, Sidebottom played for Champions in the of Legends tournament. Sidebottom maintains an active social media presence on (@ryansidebottom_official, with over 10,000 followers) and , where he promotes his coaching initiatives, shares cricket-related content, and interacts with fans. In 2022, he posted about his personal experiences, aligning with broader awareness efforts following his interview on post-retirement challenges.

Personal life

Family

Sidebottom was first married to Kate, with whom he shares two children: a daughter named Nell and a son named Darley Jack. The couple divorced after nine years of marriage. In November 2009, he became a father to , who was born in weighing 5 pounds 7 ounces. His son Darley followed shortly after. In March 2020, Sidebottom married his second wife, Madeleine Costigan, a stylist and events organizer, in a colorful ceremony at Charlton Hall in despite the onset of the . Madeleine brought a son, Louis, from her previous relationship into the blended family. The family is based in the North East of England, where Sidebottom maintains strong ties from his cricketing career. Throughout his professional career, Sidebottom's provided essential support, with his first wife Kate playing a key role in helping him navigate the demands of international tours and recoveries from injuries that frequently plagued his playing time. Post-retirement, his children have been involved in local activities, including events at the Ryan Sidebottom Cricket , which he founded in to coach young players aged seven and above. As of 2024, Sidebottom resides in Wynyard, , balancing family life with his ongoing coaching commitments and foundation work to nurture emerging talent.

Health challenges and advocacy

In a 2022 BBC interview, former cricketer Ryan Sidebottom revealed his battles with depression and anxiety after retiring from professional at the end of the 2017 season. He explained that the abrupt loss of his daily routine, professional direction, and steady income created a profound sense of emptiness, leading to persistent negative thoughts, self-sabotage, , , and sleepless nights. Sidebottom noted dwelling excessively on past achievements while fretting over future uncertainties, such as financial pressures and family responsibilities, which intensified his emotional turmoil. The physical demands of his 22-year career, including recurring injuries that limited his playing time toward the end, served as a precursor to these post-retirement difficulties by complicating his transition to civilian life. To manage his condition, Sidebottom sought professional , leaned on the unwavering support of his and close friends, and found solace in staying physically and mentally active through a return to . These approaches enabled him to rebuild structure and purpose, gradually alleviating his symptoms. Sidebottom has actively advocated for mental health awareness among retired athletes, using his platform to urge openness and destigmatization. In the same discussion, he stressed that "talking really, really helps" and affirmed that "it's ," encouraging others facing similar voids to seek assistance without shame. His disclosures contribute to wider efforts in , where surveys indicate that approximately 20% of professional players encounter low mood and anxiety within their first two years of retirement, underscoring the prevalence of such issues in the .

References

  1. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/trentbridge/history/players/ryan-sidebottom.html
  2. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4638/4638.html
  3. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/10776868/ryan-sidebottom-yorkshire-and-england-left-armers-career-highs
  4. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/20/ryan-sidebottom-international-retirement
  5. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/ryan-sidebottom-the-man-who-never-gave-up-almanack
  6. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-tour-of-england-and-ireland-2007-258445/england-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-258460/full-scorecard
  7. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/43405328
  8. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/arnie-sidebottom-20185
  9. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/like-father-like-son-england-s-original-sidebottom-828200.html
  10. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-4410084/Ryan-Sidebottom-ready-bow-making-history.html
  11. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ryan-sidebottom-20187
  12. https://cricketarchive.com/Nottinghamshire/Players/4/4638/4638.html
  13. https://www.crictracker.com/facts-about-ryan-sidebottom/
  14. https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/ryan-sidebottom-i-must-have-made-sachin-play-and-miss-20-times
  15. https://www.thecricketer.com/topics/yorkshire/yorkshire_county_championship_2001_victory.html
  16. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sidebottom-signs-three-year-deal-with-nottinghamshire-131779
  17. https://www.the-independent.com/sport/cricket/like-father-like-son-england-s-original-sidebottom-828200.html
  18. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/oct/11/cricket-ryan-sidebottom-matthew-hoggard
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jun/15/cricket.sport1
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/16/nottinghamshire-win-county-championship
  21. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12146/6428358/sidebottom-rejoins-yorkshire
  22. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/cricket/yorkshire/8426632.ryan-sidebottom-agrees-three-year-deal-with-yorkshire-county-cricket-club/
  23. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/cricket/ryan-sidebottom-return-yorkshire-3685743
  24. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/18344859
  25. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/31164482
  26. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/cricket/yorkshire/14790607.sidebottom-honoured-and-privileged-to-be-awarded-yorkshire-testimonial/
  27. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1022713/-i-think-i-ve-been-underrated-as-a-bowler
  28. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/12/yorkshire-win-county-championship-nottinghamshire
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/34184589
  30. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/lv-county-championship-division-one-2014-691689/nottinghamshire-vs-yorkshire-692843/match-report
  31. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ryan-sidebottom-still-the-zest-in-powerful-yorkshire-cocktail-919201
  32. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12146/10776742/ryan-sidebottom-to-call-it-a-day-at-the-end-of-the-2017-campaign
  33. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2010-412671/england-vs-sri-lanka-1st-semi-final-412701/full-scorecard
  34. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-world-twenty20-2010-412671/australia-vs-england-final-412703/full-scorecard
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-england-2001-61459/england-vs-pakistan-1st-test-63932/full-scorecard
  36. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-2007-08-300413/new-zealand-vs-england-3rd-test-300444/full-scorecard
  37. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bangladesh-tour-of-england-2010-392196/england-vs-bangladesh-2nd-test-392209/full-scorecard
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/sep/20/ryan-sidebottom-retirement-international-cricket
  39. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ryan-sidebottom-retires-from-international-cricket-477923
  40. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=2971
  41. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2010/september/sidebottom-announces-international-retirement.html
  42. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ryan-sidebottom-to-retire-after-2017-season-1083726
  43. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/county-div-one-2017-1068074/yorkshire-vs-middlesex-1068569/full-scorecard
  44. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/yorkshire-players-pay-tribute-to-ryan-sidebottom-super-hero-1122954
  45. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/11064698/ryan-sidebottom-proud-and-happy-of-his-20-year-career
  46. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/7095860/england-bowler-ryan-sidebottom/
  47. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/39039976
  48. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/cricket/future-in-coaching-appeals-on-launch-of-academy-1856737
  49. https://www.thepca.co.uk/press-release/england-cricketer-launches-cricket-academy-to-support-stars-of-the-future-240913/
  50. https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/domestic/sidebottom_joins_surrey_as_bowling_consultant.html
  51. https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/engro-cricket-coaching-project-to-commence-from-sunday.html
  52. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1275750-sidebottom-joins-engro-coaching-project
  53. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/60786267
  54. https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/ryan-sidebottom-dancing-on-ice-contestant-profile/
  55. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/dancing-ice-ryan-sidebottom-jane-14012245
  56. https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1084355/Dancing-On-Ice-2019-Ryan-Sidebottom-eliminated-odds-Brian-McFadden-ITV-video
  57. https://champions-speakers.co.uk/speaker-agent/ryan-sidebottom
  58. https://cricketspeakersuk.com/after-dinner-cricket-speakers/ryan-sidebottom
  59. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/12513445/ryan-sidebottom-apologises-for-poor-choice-of-words-regarding-yorkshire-racism-scandal-after-azeem-rafiq-response
  60. https://www.skysports.com/cricket/video/12607/12771949/ryan-sidebottom-mightily-impressed-with-england-series-victory-over-pakistan
  61. https://www.facebook.com/testmatchspecial/videos/ryan-sidebottom-on-his-mental-health-after-retiring/404910431271627/
  62. https://score.wclcricket.com/WCL2024/playerBowlingRecords.do?playerId=4403835&league=14&clubId=1096336
  63. https://www.instagram.com/ryansidebottom_official/?hl=en
  64. https://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2009/november/ryans-column-babies-planes-and-tufnell.html
  65. https://luxe-magazine.co.uk/2024/09/luxe-lowdown-with-maddie-and-ryan-sidebottom/
  66. https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/500130
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.