PROFILE

Yorkshire’s leading all-rounder has deservedly become an England fixture in all formats of international cricket. Consistent performances with bat and ball make him a reliable performer for England’s current trio of international captains.

He had to bide his time in the 2010/11 winter before his 11 wickets at 19.54 with a best of 4-50 in the 4th Test saw England to Ashes glory. Later that winter he rocked hosts India with 5-48 in the World Cup and then took 16 Test wickets at 16.31 against India in the summer of 2011, including a career best 5-48, as England claimed the ICC number one Test ranking.

When a calf injury allowed and he was able to represent his county in 2011 Tim made important contributions. Yorkshire is a much better side when Tim Bresnan plays as he gets more reliable and productive with increased experience and responsibility.

Tim made his Yorkshire debut in a Sunday League match against Kent at Headingley in 2001 aged 16 years and 102 days - becoming the youngest player since Paul Jarvis in 1981 to represent the county.

Early on for England he was unfairly pigeon-holed as a stocky Yorkshire trundler by the media, but Tim is deceptively quick and hits the bat hard. His batting should also not be underestimated either. He scored his maiden first-class century against Surrey at The Oval in July 2007 when he made 116 and set a record 9th wicket partnership for Yorkshire of 246 with Jason Gillespie. A second century for the England Lions followed when Bresnan hit 126 not out from 156 balls against India at Chelmsford.

He played for England Under-19s in 2002 and 2003 representing his country at two World Cups, won the NBC Denis Compton Award for most promising Yorkshire player in both 2002 and 2003 and kicked on from there to cement his place in the Yorkshire 1st Team and progress in 2006 to receive full England recognition.

Tim made his ODI debut in 2006 against Sri Lanka, but suffered as an inexperienced bowling line-up struggled with the oppositions attacking batting displays and he lost his place that same summer. He had to wait until 2009, when he was recalled for the Test Series against West Indies, and made his Test debut came against the West Indies at Lord’s. With England dominant he waited until the match at Chester-le-Street to pick up his first wickets on his way to 3-45. Strong disciplined bowling in Bangladesh in early 2010 proved any remaining doubters wrong and he also scored 91 in the 2nd Test.

Tim was an integral part of England’s victorious 2010 World Twenty20 side. England commitments have meant Tim was limited to only ten Championship matches in 2009 and just six matches in 2010, but when he is available for the White Rose County he adds quality to the side.

It is often overlooked that Tim Bresnan will still only be 27-years-old when the 2012 season commences. He seems to have been around the Yorkshire set-up for so long and possesses the potential to serve Yorkshire and England for many more years to come.

JAMES BUTTLER
January 2012