Australian fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom parts ways with Warwickshire

Ryan Sidebottom in action (PC: Twitter)

Australian fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom has parted ways with Warwickshire after spending five years with them. The right-arm pacer, who missed nearly the entire 2019 summer with a shoulder injury, was part of the 2021 title-winning side, but made only two appearances through the County Championship campaign due to injuries. 

The 33-year-old played 26 matches across formats in his five-year stint, taking 62 wickets. He spent more time on the sidelines due to frequent injuries than he did on the field.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given at Edgbaston and I will look back at my Bears career with great pride," Sidebottom said in an official statement.

"Winning the County Championship will always be a career highlight and something I never thought I would do after making my debut for Victoria in 2013. I will always cherish the memories and friends I have made here and thank the Members for their support."

Earlier in March 2013, Sidebottom played one First-Class game for his home club Victoria but his first game was also his last due to repeated foot injuries. However, he made a fresh start in 2017 in England.

In August 2017, Sidebottom was signed for the remainder of the English season by Warwickshire, He made his T20 debut in July 2021 for Warwickshire in the 2021 T20 Blast and List A debut later that same month in the 2021 Royal London One-Day Cup. 

Sidebottom was transferred to Derbyshire in April, but returned to Warwickshire to play his final game for them in the penultimate game of the season.

Warwickshire Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace said, "Ryan has given a huge amount to the club during his time as a Bear and worked very hard to become a senior member of the squad."

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