Friday 12 September 2014 15:11, UK
Yorkshire's pace pair Ryan Sidebottom and Jack Brooks paid tribute to a 'great team effort' after the White Rose county wrapped up the County Championship title in style at Trent Bridge.
A six-wicket haul from 36-year-old seam bowler Sidebottom powered Yorkshire to their 31st outright title as Nottinghamshire were thrashed by an innings and 52-runs in a game they had to win to deny their opponents their first county crown since 2001.
New ball partner Brooks has also played his part this summer, taking 64 wickets so far in his second season at Headingley since joining from Northamptonshire.
The pair struggled to hide their emotion when talking to Sky Sports after play, with Brooks admitting the eighth and title-clincing win of a memorable season had reduced him to tears coming off the field.
He said: “It’s hard to put into words, it’s unbelievable! I’ve been crying for five-10 minutes already. It’s a career highlight and best day of my life so far without a doubt, just unbelievable.
“The buzz word in our changing room is ‘discipline’ . It’s not just me and Siddy, there’s a hell of a unit in there. You’ve got Plunks (Liam Plunkett) who’s not played this game, Rich Pyrah has played a big hand, Steven Patterson and Tim Bresnan have been amazing and then you’ve got the best leggie in the country in Adil Rashid.
“All we have to do is our jobs at one end and the other guy at the other end is getting to be busting his gut for you. This year has worked out perfectly and I can’t put into words how happy I am.”
Sidebottom, who has now won four County Championship titles, was keen to shift the praise on to his team-mates and sees no reason why this can’t be the start of a golden era for Yorkshire.
Asked which title has been his favourite, Sidebottom said: “They’ve all been really special but Notts are a fantastic club to so come back here and win it is a special day.
“It’s been a great team effort and we get wickets for each other. When we are bowling in tandem you want to celebrate with each other. He’s (Brooks) got nearly 70 wickets this season which has been brilliant and it’s been an outstanding season for everyone involved in the club.
“I’m enjoying every minute and these guys are keeping me young and there is no reason why we can’t challenge year-in-year out.”
