Sidebottom reflects on memorable year

By John Mehaffey

LONDON (Reuters) - Somewhat to his bemusement, Ryan Sidebottom found himself this week sitting in a dusty toolshed explaining how his new-found celebrity status as England's paramount bowler has changed his life.

Not to any great extent, it would appear, as Sidebottom reflected on a year during which he has emerged from the international wilderness to lead his country's attack.

"I'm still a home bird," he told reporters. "I like to go and watch rugby league. I spend time at home with the two cats.

"People in general have been nice. They come up to me and say 'well done, keep going'. That has been really satisfying."

Until his recall to the national colours last year, Sidebottom appeared destined to become part of the answer to a sports quiz question.

His father Arnie played one test against Australia in 1985 and Ryan had similarly resigned himself to a life on the county circuit after failing to take a wicket in his only test against Pakistan in 2001.

To his frustration, Sidebottom's brand of medium-fast left-arm swing was out of fashion as then England coach Duncan Fletcher searched for tall, young fast bowlers banging the ball hard into the pitch regularly in excess of 140 kph. Sidebottom, at around 130 kph, was considered too slow.

In fact, as he showed in the series against New Zealand this year, Sidebottom can be deceptively quick, and at times he came close to the 140 mark.