Arnie in 1985: Less pace and less hair than his son

Sidebottom senior is understandably proud of his son's achievement in winning a place in an England squad after once being deemed too erratic for the Yorkshire Schools side.

But he is quick to point out that his own part in Ryan's success has been a minor one, with another former Yorkshire seam bowler, Steve Oldham, fulfilling the role of mentor.

"I've tried to stay in the background because it is always difficult, the sort of father and son relationship.

"The one thing Ryan dislikes more than anything is being called the son of Arnie. It's something that really gets to him. Steve Oldham's really been the driving force behind him," Sidebottom said.

The impact of being overlooked by Yorkshire Schools was almost too much to stomach for the young Ryan.

Ryan's his own man - I keep out of the way

Arnie Sidebottom

Ryan with England coach Duncan Fletcher

Ryan's progress in the Yorkshire first team since making his debut in 1997 has been rapid - so much so that he was picked for the England A team which toured the West Indies during the winter.

His father, however, has seen precious little of him in action despite being part of Yorkshire's coaching staff.

"I'm here, there and everywhere. I don't get to the first team too much, but he's progressed nicely."

Arnie wants his son to "play with a smile on his face" and enjoy every minute if he gets the chance to play against Pakistan.

After all, fate can sometimes turn against you - a lesson Arnie knows all too well.