Parental support for Sidebottom

6 March 2008

New Zealand's Ross Taylor ducks a Ryan Sidebottom bouncer © Getty Images

Watch Ryan Sidebottom at the end of day press conference and report on ECBtv

Ryan Sidebottom responded to a rare sighting of his father at an England match to become the steady influence on a bowling attack unable to halt New Zealand’s progress to an impressive total in the opening Test.

The Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer was the best among England’s seam attack as New Zealand dominated the second day at Seddon Park.

The 30-year-old finished with 4-90 by claiming the final two wickets of New Zealand’s innings off successive balls. The hosts were dismissed for 470 in mid-afternoon and allowed England to reach 87 for two by the close in reply.

Sidebottom's reward for a promising later spell would have been particularly satisfying because he could share his success with his father and mother, Arnie and Gillian, in the crowd, who had never seen him bowl before as an England player.

Former Yorkshire and England seamer Arnie, an enthusiastic supporter of Ryan’s throughout his career, witnessed a difficult opening session for the tourists as New Zealand added a further 188 runs.

“He’s never been one for pushing me or interfering with my career; he’s always wanted me to get on with it,” said Sidebottom.

“He’s always had good words to say and gives me encouragement, but he does watch and if something needs tinkering with he’ll always give me good advice and that’s been great for my career.

“He’s a bit of a nervous wreck really and doesn’t tend to watch that much. He will stay at home and watch the highlights and point out the things I didn’t do the previous day.”

Sidebottom senior, who played 20 matches for Manchester United as a centre-half, witnessed England’s failure to pressurise New Zealand from the start of the day which allowed Ross Taylor and captain Daniel Vettori to forge a record 148-run seventh wicket stand for their country against England.

Daniel Vettori goes for his shots © Getty Images

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Steve Harmison averaged only 80mph from his eight overs in the day - a reduction in pace from a bowler who was once regarded as the fastest in the world.

Taylor, who hit 18 fours in his 120, regarded England’s new medium-paced bowler as a bonus even if he does treat him with the fearful respect that his lost pace may return later in the series.

“He’s been operating down on the pace he’s used to, but he’ll be a hell of a bowler to face when he is bowling at 145kph (90mph),” said Taylor.

“He would be a real handful, especially on a bouncy deck, but he can bowl 130kph as long as he wants because he makes it a lot easier for me.”

England captain Michael Vaughan turned to the part-time off-spin of Kevin Pietersen and he claimed a wicket with his second ball when Taylor offered a return catch off a mistimed slog sweep.

Vettori gave Paul Collingwood his second wicket with a late cut to a wide slip and Sidebottom provided his parents with a bonus when he ended the innings in quick succession.

England started their reply in steady fashion with Vaughan and Alastair Cook demonstrating the lifeless nature of the pitch with an 84-run opening stand.

That foundation was undermined, however, with Cook falling to a mistimed pull to deep square-leg with five overs of the day remaining and nightwatchman Matthew Hoggard edging to first slip two overs later.