Ryan Sidebottom is vowing to continue his tried and tested methods for England after his efforts were rewarded with the Player of the Year award.

Nottinghamshire's 30-year-old left-arm seamer capped a memorable year since being recalled for the second Test of last summer against West Indies at Headingley by receiving the annual award at a Lord's dinner on Monday night.

He received the award after claiming a stunning haul of 53 wickets at 25.24 in 12 Tests since establishing himself in the England Test line-up.

But despite the accolades - including one from Sir Richard Hadlee claiming he was the big danger to New Zealand in the forthcoming Test series - Sidebottom insists he will not change the methods that have brought him all his success.

"I'm not going to go out there and try any harder, I'm not going to change the way I bowl," he explained.

"I don't want to get too carried away because things can change so quickly - it's just a case of continuing doing what I've done and if I get wickets for the other guys then that's great."

Since being called up for the Headingley Test - when he admitted he thought it would just be for one match - Sidebottom does concede he has improved as a bowler just through the demands of bowling at the world's best batsmen on a consistent basis.

"I think I have improved," he conceded. "It's a massive opportunity for myself and Test cricket is not easy so I've just tried to work hard at my game.

"I'm 30 and I still believe I've got a few years left in me, but I've been around a long time and I suppose I've learned my game. It's helped me relax more and just get on with my job, not worry about the occasion and all the people that were watching.

"I've bowled regular overs and I know you have to be fitter and stronger so I've worked in the gym as well. The rest and recovery helps and looking after yourself and that's given me an extra yard (of pace) probably."

He added: "It's been a massive change in my fortunes. This time last year I was training for Notts and just playing county cricket so it's been a massive turnaround.

"But it's one I'm not getting carried away about and I'm relishing the opportunity to play again for England at Lord's.

"It's massive to win it (this award), but it's not just down to me - the other guys who have been playing have made me feel very welcome in the team and it's just allowed me to do my job."

In addition to Sidebottom's award, Claire Taylor was named the Vodafone Women's Player of the Year after playing a key role in England's Ashes win last year.

There were further special recognition awards to Ashley Giles, who is now an England selector, and Marcus Trescothick, who have both retired from international cricket after playing a key role in the men's team's memorable 2005 Ashes triumph.

Sporting Life / Eurosport