Ryan Sidebottom is determined to help develop Yorkshire’s talented bowling crop this summer in the best way he knows how.

“I’m here to take wickets. You’re a long time in retirement, so I want to play as long as possible and keep taking wickets,” said the 33-year-old former England and Nottinghamshire left-arm swing bowler.

“If I can do well and pass on some experience to them, I’m giving a little bit back.

“It’s another challenge to bring the young guys on, but if I perform well they will see how I’m doing and want to copy or go one better than me.

“I’m really looking forward to it. From what I’ve seen, they’re a good, young crop of bowlers coming through. It’s good for Yorkshire’s future and for now.”

Sidebottom, a three-time County Championship winner, will make his second debut for Yorkshire in Friday’s opener against Worcestershire at New Road.

He has also got a World Twenty20 winner’s medal on his mantelpiece – and he wants more.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win three Championships, and I’d like to win another one. There’s absolutely no reason why not,” he said.

“We’re very close. The lads are still young and learning all the time. Maybe not this year, but I think the main thing is to back up the work done last year. To not do that and go down would spoil everything.”

Sidebottom described his decision to return to Headingley as “a no-brainer”, despite offers from Durham, Worcestershire, Hampshire and Lancashire among others.

But now he is just itching to get started. He added: “We’ve worked hard at everything, and I think it’s all in order now. When we’re out at Worcestershire, it’s vitally important to get off to a good start.”

Yorkshire begin a two-day intra-squad match at Headingley today.