Who can benefit most from Bresnan’s withdrawal?

Who can benefit most from Bresnan’s withdrawal?

England cricket coach Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss will have been disappointed with the news that all rounder Tim Bresnan is to return home from the tour to play Pakistan due to a niggling elbow injury. Bresnan has failed to recover from the surgery he had last year to rectify the problem and his tenacity will be sorely missed as England embark on what could be an arduous few weeks.

"Bresnan tried to bowl today, having had an injection and a good rest," said Strauss. "I think we were all expecting him to be absolutely fine. But it's very painful - and given that, he's probably not going to be able to play for two or three weeks."

Bresnan’s absence is a major blow for the selectors and they will undoubtedly miss his professional attitude and the ability to bowl long spells in sapping conditions. Unlike many other English seamers, Bresnan enjoys bowling outside of the UK and his performances in Bangladesh last year are testament to the fact that he can make major contributions in the sub-continent.

The Yorkshireman was developing as a test batsman too but with Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann likely to bat at eight and nine respectively, England won’t miss him quite so much in their batting line up.

Bresnan’s early return should however open the way for Middlesex bowler Steve Finn to re-establish himself in the side after losing his place to Chris Tremlett in last year’s Ashes Series. Finn was unlucky to miss out then but he should be in pole position to take advantage of Bresnan’s misfortune.

Flower and Strauss will also have been pleased to see Nottinghamshire’s Stuart Broad enjoy a comfortable return to action with wickets and runs in England’s opening warm up game and despite a shaky start to their tour, the side will be confident of success as they take on Pakistan.