JACK Brooks has hailed the influence of Ryan Sidebottom on Yorkshire’s LV= County Championship-winning campaign, particularly their title-clinching triumph 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 stand-out 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.

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

“I remember watching him when I was a club cricketer in 2007-08 when he was playing for England, and I remember thinking ‘this guy is right up my alley as a bloke’.

“To have watched him play and now 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.”

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 Thursday, 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. 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!”