Ryan is determined to start on the front foot
RYAN Sidebottom intends to step up to be a leader of Warwickshire’s seam attack as they prepare for a return to Division One of the Specsavers County Championship.
The 29-year-old is preparing for his second full season at Edgbaston, now back in the West Midlands after wintering in his native Australia.
Sidebottom is set to be a key component of a reshaped seam department, which has lost three long-time contributors; Keith Barker, Boyd Rankin and Chris Wright. There are some big shoes to fill – and he is looking to play a senior role following a winter back home spent in a mixture of recuperation and playing grade cricket in Victoria.
“To win the Division Two title last year was great but everybody knows it will be a step up again this time,” Sidebottom said. “That is the challenge both for me personally and the group, especially the bowling group because we have lost some very senior players.
“We have a few bowlers who have not played a lot of First Division cricket and I am one of those so it is a great opportunity for us. As one of the older members of the bowling group, I want to become a leader of the attack, rather than just a member of it.
“It’s a very exciting time for us because the opportunity is there for all of us and anyone who starts the season well has a great chance to nail down a place in the team. I will be striving to do that, not only in the championship but in white-ball cricket.
“I didn’t play any white-ball last year but it is something I’m keen to do as I want to keep challenging myself.”
Sidebottom has risen to all the challenges put before him for the Bears so
As one of the older members of the bowling group, I want to become a leader of the attack, rather than just a member of it.