CRICKET: BERKSWELL’S Ryan Sidebottom has landed a contract with Warwickshire Bears to the end of the current season.
Following a series of impressive performances for Bears’ second team, Sidebottom – who has played one first class match for his native Victoria – holds a British passport.
The 27-year-old fast bowler has taken 36 wickets to date for Berkswell in the Birmingham and District Premier League.
He has been trialling with Warwickshire Second team for the last month, taking 15 wickets in two Second XI Championship games – including 10 against Northamptonshire, and a further nine wickets in three Second XI T20 games.
Ashley Giles, director of sport at Warwickshire CCC, said: “We heard good things about Ryan soon after he arrived at Berkswell, so were naturally keen to take a closer look at his bowling and see how he fits into our dressing room.
“He’s an impressive character and the volume of wickets that he has taken in the Second XI and Birmingham League highlights his ability.
“He is a valuable addition to our fast bowling ranks as we enter a very important final two months of the season.
“We’re spending more time than ever before working closely with our local clubs and scouting the recreational game to identify talent. Berkswell CC have been fantastic in our conversations about Ryan’s availability and I would like to thank everyone at the club for their understanding and for allowing him to be released from this weekend’s games.”
Having joined Warwickshire with immediate effect, Sidebottom will remain part of the Berkswell squad and will be made available for its remaining Birmingham & District Premier League games with agreement from the Bears.
Sidebottom is currently in the middle of making his Bears debut at the home of cricket – Lords – where Warwickshire face Middlesex in the County Championship.
Picture: Manjit Narotra
