Unheralded back in Australia, Victorian paceman Ryan Sidebottom is making a serious name for himself in English county cricket.
An older brother of Collingwood AFL star Steele, Ryan has become one of Warwickshire's most consistent bowlers.
Despite missing seven weeks following a side strain, Sidebottom has captured 21 wickets and is leading the club's bowling averages ahead of former New Zealand Test spinner Jeetan Patel.
The 29-year-old went across to Warwickshire last year after only one first-class match in four seasons with Victoria thanks to a cruel run with injury.
Things have changed for the better in England, with his first-class record now reading 45 wickets at an average of 22.28 from 13 games, including match figures of 10-96 to open this season.
Despite jolting back into prominence, Sidebottom is circumspect about his future in cricket and doesn't have any major ambitions to earn another state contract in Australia.
"I enjoyed my time at Victoria and I haven't got a bad word to say about them," Sidebottom told AAP.
"I understand your life as a professional sportsman doesn't last forever and I've got to try and take every opportunity as it comes.
"I'm happy doing what I'm doing over here at the moment and just trying to prolong my career as long as possible in the county system."
Sidebottom's fellow Victorian Peter Siddle is breathing life back into his career at Essex, with the 62-Test quick grabbing 27 wickets at an average of 16.70 from five matches.
The 33-year-old Siddle's last Test for Australia was against South Africa in November 2016.
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