Nottinghamshire’s England seamer Ryan Sidebottom stepped up his return to fitness with an appearance for MCC against Rugby School this week.

Sidebottom found a place in the MCC team after Nottinghamshire Assistant Manager Wayne Noon contacted MCC’s Cricket Office in the hope of getting his charge a game.

Much to the delight of MCC’s Match Manager Charlie Robards, his bowling attack was strengthened by a player with 77 Test scalps to his name.

With MCC defending 190, Sidebottom bowled two spells picking up two wickets and showing no signs of discomfort following surgery on an achilles injury.

“Ryan was a pleasure to manage,” said Robards.

“He was friendly and approachable and knew exactly how much to bowl within himself to the school. He was a credit both to England and himself and the boys were absolutely thrilled to have played against him.”