Tim Bresnan gives England another option

Tim Bresnan has given England another seam bowling option for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide after confirming his recovery from back problems by taking four cheap wickets for the England Performance Programme team in Brisbane.

Making his first appearance since he was diagnosed with stress fractures after England sealed the Ashes series in Durham in early August, Bresnan took four for 31 from 10 overs as a Queensland selection were dismissed for 156 on day two of the three-day match.

One-day coach
Ashley Giles, the England one-day coach who was sent to Brisbane to assess Bresnan's condition, confirmed that he will link up with the Test squad in Adelaide on Sunday, although he must still remain a long shot to be thrust back so quickly into the Ashes cauldron.

“It’s always good to see someone like Bresnan back up and fit and firing,” said Giles, who was joined on the boundary at the Allan Border Oval by several key members of Australia’s Ashes squad, including their coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke.

"He bowled well today. He bowled with good control and decent pace and to pick up the wickets was a bonus. I think the most important thing for us was that he came through the day strongly."

Half century
Bresnan, who scored a half century in the EPP's first innings of 376 for nine declared, lasted only five balls in the second innings before being caught for a duck as EPP made 156 for 5.

Chris Jordan, the Sussex all-rounder who made his one-day international debut against Australia at the end of the summer, took two for 28 while the fiery Essex left-armer Tymal Mills picked up three for 17 from four overs.
Guardian Service