Sidebottom calls it a day with England

The 32-year-old was a member of England's victorious Twenty20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year in the West Indies.

Sidebottom made his decision after helping Nottinghamshire lift the LV= County Championship Division One title last week.

He made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lords in 2001, although he had to wait another six years before earning a recall.

But during the past four years he established himself on the international scene and enjoying success at Test and one-day cricket.

Sidebottom produced a Test hat-trick and returned career-best figures of seven wickets for 47 runs against New Zealand in 2008. In all, he played in 22 Tests.

Sidebottom explained: "I have had a truly fantastic period of my life with England but now it is time to hand over the ball to those a little younger.

"If I look back on my international career I have achieved more than I could ever have dreamed.

"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.

"I have been fortunate enough to live the dream with England.

"It has been a fantastic time but I have no doubts that now is the right time to announce my retirement."

Sidebottom has already announced that he is leaving Nottinghamshire after seven seasons and will be joining a new county for 2011.

The bowler has been linked with a move to Lancashire and Yorkshire - with the White Rose having offered Sidebottom terms - and will also be entered into the 2011 IPL auction later this year.