Confident Bresnan says England 'sniffing a win'

The Tigers, a side with 57 defeats from 66 Tests, pushed their opponents closer than ever before over the first two-and-a-half days at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium but have had to endure a solid fightback from the tourists.

Aided, admittedly, by some helpful umpiring decisions, England managed a 77-run first-innings lead on the back of Ian Bell's 138 and Bresnan's 91.

The bowlers then worked hard despite some poor catching to leave the hosts 172 for six at stumps on day four, a modest lead of 95 with the tail exposed.

And although England have struggled to roll over the Bangladesh tail in this series, Bresnan is in no doubt about who the favourites are.

"I think it's four quick wickets then we chase 150 and win. That's how I see it," Bresnan confidently predicted.

"Of course, we'll see how it goes but that's how we've set it up. We will be chasing a total, I have a feeling about that, especially after getting the key wicket of Mushfiqur Rahim at the end.

"We've got a nightwatchman (Shafiul Islam) in tomorrow and then Naeem Islam, who'll hang in a bit. If we can get them out I think we are definitely sniffing a win."

When the winter squads were announced Bresnan was included exclusively in the limited-overs set-up but, since being asked to stay on as injury cover, he has leapfrogged the likes of Ajmal Shahzad and Liam Plunkett in the pecking order.

The burly Yorkshireman has impressed with his stamina and ability to reverse swing the old ball, while his contribution with the bat in only his second Test innings will not have gone unnoticed.

Bresnan has also displayed a cool head in trying conditions – something Stuart Broad may one day wish to replicate after his conduct while bowling drew him into conversation with the umpire for the second match in a row following an rejected lbw appeal. Reflecting on his future role in the side, Bresnan was clear in his aim to lock down a long-term spot in the Test XI.

"Coming in here has been a big opportunity for me," he said.

"I feel like I've grabbed it and shown exactly what I can do so hopefully there'll be a lot more chances for me to prove myself.

"I'd like to think I've pushed my case as a Test cricketer."

Australia cruised to a ten-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington, taking 23 overs to polish off the 106 runs required. New Zealand began the final day on 369 for six needing Brendon McCullum, who was 94 overnight, and Daryl Tuffey, 23 not out, to carry on the healthy partnership they had forged the previous day. But when McCullum was dismissed for 104 in the fourth over of the day it marked the beginning of the end as Ryan Harris picked up three wickets in three overs and the home side were bowled out for 407.

Australia rattled off the runs with ease with Phillip Hughes hitting 12 boundaries and a six in his 75-ball 86 not out and Simon Katich adding a more circumspect unbeaten 18 off 65 balls.