Ryan Sidebottom called his England recall after six years ‘a dream come true’ after being named in the squad for the second npower Test against West Indies.

The 29-year-old is part of a 13-man squad for the Test at his old stomping ground of Headingley, after his former Yorkshire team-mate Matthew Hoggard was ruled out with a thigh strain.

And Sidebottom intends to enjoy the experience if selected for the final XI when the match starts on Friday.

He said: “I’m a little nervous and excited by the prospect of playing but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

“I’ve always aspired to play for England and wanted to have more than one cap on my mantelpiece.

“If I’m picked I’m going to try and enjoy myself and the occasion, perform to the best of my ability and get as many wickets as possible.”

Sidebottom’s only Test came against Pakistan in 2001 but the affable left-armer believes he has come on leaps and bounds after three years with Notts.

“I’m a more experienced bowler now and I believe I’ve kicked on in all forms of cricket. I was not a regular with the new ball for Yorkshire in 2001 but have had that extra responsibility with Notts and I think I’ve thrived on it.

“I’ve become a more consistent bowler and the move to Notts has certainly helped me in that regard. I’ve really enjoyed my cricket in the last three seasons and I think this is the result of that.”
 
England Chairman of Selectors David Graveney said: “We are naturally disappointed to lose a bowler of Matthew Hoggard’s calibre for this Test Match but remain optimistic that he will be available for the 3rd npower Test.
 
“The inclusion of James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom in the squad is designed to provide us with different options within our pace bowling unit. With Jon Lewis and Stuart Broad unavailable through injury, we were keen to identify a bowler who could add variety to the attack.
 
“Ryan has been a consistent performer for Nottinghamshire over the last two seasons, is familiar with the Headingley pitch through his time with Yorkshire and deserves a further opportunity at this level.”

England Squad:
Cook, Strauss, Vaughan (capt), Pietersen, Collingwood, Bell, Flintoff, Prior (wkt), Plunkett, Harmison, Panesar, Sidebottom, Anderson.