Exclusive: I can grab this Test opening declares Bresnan

YORKSHIRE'S Tim Bresnan is ready to seize his unexpected chance with England at Test level.

The Tykes all-rounder has been drafted into the squad for the two-Test match series against Bangladesh following a spate of injuries in the tourists' ranks.

Former Yorkshire player Ryan Sidebottom failed to recover from a persistent thigh complaint and flies home tomorrow, while fellow bowlers Stuart Broad and Graham Onions are both awaiting MRI scans to determine the extent of back problems.

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Bresnan is already in Chittagong with England's one-day side – who were due to play their final game this morning – and will stay on to bolster the attacking options for team director Andy Flower.

He has made 20 appearances for his country in the shortened version of the game developing into a reliable contributor but has limited Test match experience.

The Pontefract-born player made a surprise Test debut against the West Indies last May, playing both matches in the series triumph, but has been overlooked since.

However, Bresnan insists he has the skill needed to shine in the five-day format and is relishing the opportunity to prove he can step up.

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"I definitely can be a Test player," he told the Yorkshire Post last night.

"There is no reason why not with my ability with both the bat and ball.

"I've two strings to my bow and I feel in really good form. I'm bowling well and feeling quite strong while I'm batting alright even though I've not had much time in the middle.

"I'm doing quite nicely in the nets and I'm looking forward to getting out there and having a crack.

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"I want to be playing Test match cricket for England and for as long as possible.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport and playing at international level is something everyone aspires to.

"I need to take this chance with both hands and kick on."

Bresnan picked up his best ODI figures of 3-51 in the series-clinching win over Bangladesh in Mirpur on Tuesday and had returned 21 wickets at 38.76 heading into this morning's final encounter.

He only briefly had the chance to show his credentials against the West Indies last year as, such was England's complete control, it was not until the final day of the series he claimed his maiden Test wicket, finishing with 3-45 as the tourists slumped to an innings defeat.

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The 25-year-old has experience in Bangladesh though saying: "It's my third tour over here as I've been with England A as well.

"That's an advantage for me and I love the place but I know it's not going to be easy.

"There's a lot of good Test players have bowled on these wickets and I'm not taking it lightly but hopefully I'll get the chance to show what I can do."

Yorkshire team-mate Ajmal Shahzad and Durham's Liam Plunkett were due to do battle for Broad's spot in the one-day side this morning but Flower requires extra cover for the two-match Test series – which starts in Mirpur a week tomorrow – and England Lions paceman Steven Finn will also fly out in case Broad and Onions do not respond to treatment.

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Of all the injuries, Broad's is the most worrying and also, potentially, the most serious.

Broad felt pain while bowling in the second over of his spell during Tuesday's victory but bowled four more before exiting for treatment. That appeared to have had little effect overnight as he arrived in Chittagong yesterday looking in serious discomfort.

He has already been ruled out of the three-day warm-up against Bangladesh A meaning his availability for the first Test must be 50-50 at best.

With James Anderson already missing the tour with a knee injury, Broad had been pencilled in as the leader of the attack.

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But Flower believes the fitness of fast bowlers is always a precarious thing.

"Yes, we have had a little run of injuries but that happens with big, quick bowlers," he said.

"They've got to put their bodies through quite an amazing amount of stress. It does happen and you can't go through a long period of time without those guys picking up little injuries."

With the likes of Shahzad, Plunkett, Bresnan and now Finn all desperate to make their mark in the five-day game, Flower is hopeful of finding a silver lining among his bad news.

"This situation will give people opportunities so it could be that something good comes out of it," he said.

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