Sidebottom, 30, claimed 24 wickets in the three-match series that England won 2-1 in New Zealand in March and that triumph emphasized just how important his contributions have become to Michael Vaughan’s team, especially after the injuries to Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones and the form problems of Steve Harmison.

“The first Test against West Indies last year I was watching on the television as Notts didn’t have a game, but after that things changed quickly for me,” Sidebottom said, before England take on New Zealand at Lord’s in the first Test on Thursday.

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

“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.”

Sidebottom looked destined to remain a one-Test wonder like his father Arnie after making his debut against Pakistan in 2001 and then not featuring for another six years.

The coach then Duncan Fletcher was constantly talking about finding bowlers who could propel a cricket ball at 90 miles per hour and Sidebottom seemed not to fit the bill. But under the regime of new coach Peter Moores he has flourished.

“I think I have improved,” he said. “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.”