England’s Bresnan signs new Yorkshire contract

The 28-year-old all-rounder, fresh from scoring an unbeaten 105 for England in their Ashes warm-up match against Essex at Chelmsford this week, has signed a new Yorkshire contract to stay at Headingley until December 2016.
The Pontefract-born cricketer made his county debut in 2001 – after coming through the ranks at Townville and Castleford Cricket Clubs – making him the youngest player to play for Yorkshire in 20 years, beating Paul Jarvis’s record of 16 years and 75 days back in 1981.
Over the years he has developed into a genuine all-rounder and along with Headingley team-mates Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will be hoping to get the nod for next week’s opening Ashes match against Australia.
“It is great news that Tim has committed his long-term future to the Club,” said Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon.
“Tim has firmly established himself as an England regular but his commitment to Yorkshire is vital in our on-going efforts of developing a strong squad based around players produced through the club development system.”
Bresnan becomes the sixth player this summer to sign a new deal, joining Bairstow, Moin Ashraf, Gary Ballance, Steve Patterson and Azeem Rafiq, who are now committed to Yorkshire for the foreseeable future.
England wrapped up victory against Essex yesterday, but Bresnan was unable to add any wickets to his unbeaten century.
Graeme Swann (5-68) and Graham Onions (4-43) skittled the county opposition out to chalk up a 229-run victory and complete preparations before next week’s Ashes.
Bresnan now has a nervous few days to wait and see if he gets the nod to play at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, with Steven Finn also battling for a bowling spot.
And while Bresnan welcomed his success with the bat, he accepts he will be judged on his bowling skills first when it comes to international recognition.
“Lower-order runs could play a part in winning Test matches further down the line,” said Bresnan.
“The bowlers will be picked on form so if I’m not bowling well it doesn’t matter how many runs I’ve got. The batting side comes as a bonus.
“If it’s a straight shootout then the batting might help me but if I’m not bowling well enough then that won’t matter.”