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Sidebottom has been out of the international reckoning since failing to take a wicket on his test debut against Pakistan in 2001 and afterwards suffering a dip in form at domestic level.

However, he has taken 31 County Championship wickets this summer to help Nottinghamshire move into title contention and Fleming believes the seamer's current form means he deserves another England chance.

"Ryan Sidebottom is a potential England player again," said the skipper, who went on to admit Nottinghamshire officials were relieved it had not happened yet.

The ex-Yorkshire star was scrutinised by the England selectors earlier in the summer, but a hamstring injury last month hindered his progress and ensured he missed out on the squad for the first test against Australia.

Fleming added: "His form beforehand was worrying, because the selectors were having a look at him.

"In a way it was good that he was injured for a while - he has bowled very well for us, and we will obviously need him for the rest of the summer.

"He never used to swing it back in (to right-handed batsmen) when I saw him at Yorkshire. But this summer he has done it consistently, which is a great development to have for us and good for him.

"It will line him up again for international cricket, I am sure."