Hadlee: Sidebottom could embarass New Zealand
Sir Richard Hadlee fears Ryan Sidebottom could embarrass New Zealand in the upcoming Test series with England. The three-match series kicks off at Lord's next Thursday with several Black Cap stars short of match practice following stints with the Indian Premier League.
The Kiwis have lost a host of key players in recent months with skipper Stephen Fleming and pace ace Shane Bond among those committing their futures elsewhere.
Sidbottom played a key role in England's 2-1 series win over John Bracewell's team in the winter, bagging 24 wickets at 17 apiece.
Legendary Kiwi quick Hadlee, who took 431 Test wickets in an illustrious career, reckons the Nottinghamshire left armer will again prove a huge threat.
"England are out and out favourites" Hadlee said. "New Zealand have a pretty tough series ahead of them if the last series is anything to go by.
"New Zealand should be competitive but there is no doubt combating Ryan Sidebottom will be a major challenge.
"He bowled beautifully in New Zealand and this series will only be competitive if we can combat him effectively.
"In 2004 we landed here with a very strong batting line up and yet we were well beaten 3-0.
"The difference then was Steve Harmison. We seemed to capitulate in the second innings and Harmison was the difference.
"Sidebottom was the difference in New Zealand with all those wickets and that's why it's so important we combat him.
"He swings it both ways, he has the angle and the nagging accuracy. He can bowl left-arm around the wicket which is an unusual skill to be able to do that.
"I'm looking forward to us not embarrassing ourselves. Hopefully we can be competitive in both forms of the game."
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