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Bresnan faces fitness race after operation

ESPNcricinfo staff
February 14, 2013
Tim Bresnan is expected to make a return to competitive cricket this summer © AFP
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Tim Bresnan has undergone a second operation on his right elbow, but is anticipated to return to competitive cricket early in the English summer.

Bresnan travelled to the USA for an operation described as "uncomplicated" by the England and Wales Cricket Board. He will now begin a period of rehabilitation in a bid to find a solution to a problem that has dogged him for well over a year.

The seamer underwent the first operation on his right elbow in December 2011 and has struggled to regain top form since. He finished 2012 with two wicketless Tests in India, following a lean series against South Africa, and often appeared down on pace. Before the operation, Bresnan possessed a Test bowling average of 25.46; since it, he has averaged 55.43.

Bresnan will have his eyes set on being available for the New Zealand series at home, which starts in late May, but a more realistic aim could be the Champions Trophy where England are keen for him to take the No. 7 slot in their ODI side to enable them to play five frontline bowlers in home conditions. He also hopes to go on Yorkshire's pre-season tour of Barbados.

An ECB spokesman said: "England and Yorkshire bowler Tim Bresnan has undergone an uncomplicated operation on his right elbow to remove extra bone and scar tissue. Bresnan will now commence a 6-8 week rehabilitation and back to bowling programme before returning to competitive cricket early in the summer."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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