Tim Bresnan

The most industrious bowling all-rounder, Tim Bresnan is a former English cricketer who has been the unsung hero for England many times. A handy lower-order batsman, Bresnan had the capability to land meaty blows on to the opposition.

Bresnan began his international career in the England U-19 set-up and was part of the team in 2002 and 2003 playing in two World Cups. Bresnan had a forgettable international debut against Sri Lanka on 15th June 2006 in Southampton.  He got hammered for 20 runs in 2 overs and made an unbeaten 6 off 6 in a close match which England lost by 2 runs.

After a better all-round summer in 2008, Bresnan was called up late in the season for the ODI. After an inconsistent performance in the limited-overs series, he was surprisingly included in the Test squad against the Men in Maroon. He finally made his mark on his Test debut in May 2009 and claimed his maiden Test wicket in the second innings and eventual figures of 3 for 45, as West Indies, slumped to an innings defeat.

Bresnan played an important role in delivering England the 2010 World Twenty20, showing skill and an unfailing ability to give England control with the new ball, before returning at the end of the innings with steely death-bowling. 

An injury to his calf forced Bresnan out of the series with Australia, however, he returned to the squad for the World Cup, held in the subcontinent. He took 1–49 as England got off to a winning start against the Netherlands. Bresnan took career-best figures of 5/48 in England’s tied match against India. 

Bresnan suffered a recurrence of his calf injury and as a result, was ruled out of England’s three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in 2012. He made a comeback and was a part of the Ashes-winning squad in England in 2013, playing three Tests. He also featured in two Tests during the return Ashes in Australia the same year where the Poms lost miserably with a 5-0 margin. 

Being shadowed by the younger generation of pacers, Bresnan left the international stage in 2015 but continued to play in the County Championship. Bresnan was one of those who didn’t get a regular nod within the English Test team, however, showcased his skills when given the opportunity. Bresnan left the Yorkshire County Cricket Club after 19 years in 2020 and joined Warwickshire on a two-year deal.

(As of May 2021)