Absence of Tim Bresnan felt by long-time Yorkshire CCC team-mate Steve Patterson

Now into their fourth week of training ahead of an early August start, there has been one noticeable absentee in and around Headingley, aside from those White Rose players on England duty.

Bresnan brought an end to 19 years at Yorkshire last month, the expiration of his contract at the end of this season and the club uncertain of their playing budget going forward due to the coronavirus pandemic, bringing an amicable parting of the ways.

It was subsequently announced that the 35-year-old all-rounder would join Warwickshire on loan for the rest of the season, with a two-year deal kicking on at Edgbaston next year.

As part of his loan agreement, former England star Bresnan will not be able to play against his old club in either the four-day or T20 formats this year.

That might come as some relief for his former team-mates, given the popular status he enjoyed at the club, although Patterson, whose own career at Yorkshire has virtually run parallel to that of Bresnan’s – admitted not having his former team-mate around when players returned to training last month came as a bit of a shock to the system

“I think probably for myself and the likes of Lythy (Adam Lyth) and Gary (Ballance) it’s probably more of a shock for us than some of the other lads, because we’ve played all through our careers here with Tim,” said Patterson.

“He started here before any of us and has been playing since he was 16.

“I’ve barely been around a Yorkshire dressing room without him being there at some stage. So, yes, it has been very different with him not being around.

“I’ll probably miss him in terms of his character in the dressing room as much as anything, he brings so much to it, as well as what he was obviously able to produce on the field, too.”

While sad to see his long-time team-mate depart Headingley, Patterson believes it will be the right move both for club and player.

“For him as a person and his career I think it is the right move,” added Patterson. “It is exciting for him and it will probably give him a new lease of life with a new group of players.

“I really hope it is a successful couple of years for him.

“It’s just such a shame that with everything that has happened this year, he didn’t get the chance to be applauded off the pitch by the supporters while he was still playing for Yorkshire.”

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