Cricket: Injury forces Bresnan to miss tour of New Zealand

By RORY DOLLARD
Published on 25/01/2013 02:50

TIM Bresnan has been ruled out of England’s tour of New Zealand due to an ongoing elbow problem, while wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has been axed from the one-day squad.

England selector Geoff Miller yesterday announced a 15-man Test squad for the three-match series, as well as making alterations to the previously announced limited-overs party.

Bresnan, who has been struggling with his right elbow for some time and underwent an operation at the end of 2011, has been replaced in all three formats by Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes, who is uncapped at Test level.

Bresnan will be assessed by specialists before any decision is made on his long-term availability, but Miller is hopeful that the Yorkshireman will be back to full fitness in time for a summer programme that sees England host both the Ashes and the Champions Trophy. Kieswetter, meanwhile, looks set for a lengthy spell in the wilderness.

Until Wednesday’s match in Mohali, the Somerset man had played each of England’s last 34 one-day internationals, but county colleague Jos Buttler and the returning Jonny Bairstow are both ahead in the pecking order.

Kieswetter was named in the original ODI squad for New Zealand but has been stood down having been low on confidence and runs in India.

England also added two players to the 50-over squad, with Joe Root and the uncapped James Harris joining the group.

Root had initially been assigned the captaincy of the second string England Lions for their tour of Australia but his performances across the formats in India have made an irresistible case for inclusion among the seniors.

Kieswetter’s axing was hastened along by the desire to include Root, who has excelled in all aspects on his first trip with England. His appearance in the Test squad also sees Samit Patel and Eoin Morgan omitted from the longer form.