Sidebottom picks up player award

Sidebottom established himself as England's lead bowler in 2008

Ryan Sidebottom's impressive return to international cricket has seen him named Vodafone player of the year.

The 30-year-old Nottinghamshire seamer has enjoyed an outstanding run of form since his recall to the England squad in May 2007 after a six-year absence.

"I feel I've matured and developed as a bowler and am very proud to have played a role in England's successes over the past 12 months," said Sidebottom.

"To be named player of the year is a great honour," he added.

Sidebottom, whose father Arnie played one Test for England in 1985, received his first cap against Pakistan at Lord's in 2001.

But the then Yorkshire quick finished with match figures of 0-64 and never figured again under Duncan Fletcher.

Following his move to Trent Bridge, Sidebottom experienced an upturn in form and, with Fletcher replaced by Peter Moores as coach, made his comeback in the second Test against West Indies last summer.

He helped England to a 3-0 victory, finishing with 16 wickets in the series.

Sidebottom was then named man of the series as England won the one-day international tournament in Sri Lanka but it was during the New Zealand leg of England's winter tour that he really shone.

Decimating the hosts with 24 wickets at 17.08, including 7-47 in the final Test in Napier, Sidebottom established himself as England's premier fast bowler and he has been rewarded by the England and Wales Cricket Board with a central contract in 2008.

He has another chance to tame New Zealand in the return series, starting at Lord's on Thursday.

The women's player of the year award for 2007/2008 went to Claire Taylor, who was a member of England's victorious Ashes team in Australia.

"The England team has had a great recent tour to Australia and New Zealand this winter and I have enjoyed being part of a strong squad," said Taylor.

"I'm really looking forward to the next eighteen months with two very exciting competitions in the World Cup and the World Twenty20 as well as the prospect of more Test cricket with the Ashes in 2009."