JACK BROOKS has hailed the influence of Ryan Sidebottom on Yorkshire’s County Championship winning campaign, particularly their title-clinching win against Nottinghamshire last week.

Brooks and Sidebottom have developed a close friendship since the former arrived at Headingley ahead of 2012, and now they are one of the most feared new ball partnerships in county cricket.

Brooks is the leading wicket-taker in division one with 64 from 15 matches, and although Sidebottom is still some way behind with 46 from 11, he has come up with some standout performances, highlighted by 6-30 in the second innings at Trent Bridge.

The 36-year-old took 9-65 in the match, including the wicket of James Taylor to secure Championship glory on Friday morning.

“Siddy was inspirational,” said Brooks, aged 30 - six years Sidebottom’s junior.

“I remember watching him when I was a club cricketer in 2007-8 when he playing for England, and I remember thinking ‘this guy is right up my alley as a bloke’.

“To have watched him play cricket and now to be opening the bowling with him, to have so much success with him, and he’s one of my better mates now, is incredible.

“It’s difficult to put into words how far my career has come to now be a champion. I couldn’t be happier to be an adopted Yorkshireman.

“This year, to take 60-odd wickets in a Championship-winning year, I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s a massive cake with a massive sweet cherry on top.

“Obviously the team comes first, and you just want to win trophies. But to play a part in it, and for the lads around you to know you’ve played your part, is great.

“My name’s up there as a champion now for the rest of the club’s history and my life, and it’s something I can be very proud of. I would never have dreamt of it to be honest, and it’s a career highlight. It’s up there with one of my life highlights as well.”

Brooks and his Yorkshire team-mates celebrated their success hard over the weekend, and there will be more to come with various official engagements that go with being champions.

One is a trip to Buckingham Palace on October 16, where the squad will brush with royalty and be officially presented with their medals and the trophy as part of the Lord’s Taverners reception.

It is usually the Duke of Edinburgh who is the guest of honour, although the Queen could also be in residence.

Unfortunately, however, Brooks won’t be there as he is on holiday in America, something he organised with mates from Perth in Australia, where he spent last winter playing grade cricket.

“I’m in America for a month, I organised it ages ago,” he explained. “I’m going with three Aussie mates who I know from Perth. I’ve had it as a trip I’ve looked forward to all year.

“I knew that if we won the trophy, I could have a massive celebration in America away from cricket. I didn’t realise I’d be missing the Buckingham Palace trip, which is a shame. But I’ve got a once in a lifetime trip to America to look forward to.

“I’m sure the Queen won’t miss me too much. I’ll get one of the lads to give her a headband to say sorry from me.”