Bresnan told to rest after foot scan shows no fracture

The Yorkshire seamer – who helped England triumph in the World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean last month – had become a regular in the England Test party over recent months and again proved his worth in last week's first Test at Lord's with a four-wicket haul.

But it was only after helping England to victory that it emerged the 25-year-old Pontefract-born bowler had damaged his left foot.

Initial fears were that he had suffered a stress fracture – an injury that usually takes six to eight weeks to heal – but scans yesterday revealed the injury was a 'stress reaction' in his left foot but 'no established fracture'.

However, a full prognosis is yet to be determined with the England medical staff prescribing a week of rest for Bresnan before the injury is re-assessed.

With a summer series against Pakistan starting in less than eight weeks and an Ashes winter ahead, Bresnan will be hoping the injury does not derail his chances of establishing himself in Andrew Strauss's team.

A spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed: "Further scans have revealed that there is no established fracture to the left foot and that Tim Bresnan has suffered a stress reaction.

"A period of rest is required before further assessment next week, but the initial outlook is relatively positive given the early identification of the injury."

Bresnan has been progressing steadily in the England Test set-up since making his debut last May against the West Indies.

He took 4-169 against Bangladesh last week in his fifth match at that level, and boasts an average of 35.14.

Bresnan claimed last week that he would like to be regarded as an all-rounder, despite only facing opposition bowlers three times in his Test career.

His highest score of 91 came against Bangladesh in Dhaka earlier this year and he made 25 against the same opposition last week.

His main aim now will be to get fit for the the four-match Test series with Pakistan which will be the final chance to impress the selectors ahead of the Ashes tour which gets underway on November 5.

The first Test against Pakistan at Trent Bridge is scheduled for July 29.

His place in the 12-man squad for the second Test in Manchester has been taken by former Yorkshire bowler Ryan Sidebottom.

He and Yorkshire quick bowler Ajmal Shahzad, will learn this morning whether they are part of the team that will look to begin their summer schedule with a series victory.

Bangladesh are confident opener Tamim Iqbal will be fit following a hand injury.