Bresnan undergoes surgery on elbow

ENGLAND bowler Tim Bresnan has undergone surgery on his elbow but is expected to be fit for the Test series against Pakistan in the new year. The Yorkshire seamer felt discomfort during the recent one-day tour of India and was sent for an operation to remove a bone fragment.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, who announced the news, believe he will be ready for next month’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, who are once again hosting Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns in their country.

A statement read: “The Yorkshire and England pace bowler Tim Bresnan underwent an operation yesterday to remove a bone fragment from the back of his elbow. His symptoms started during the England one-day squad’s recent tour of India and have failed to settle with rest.

“The ECB medical staff will oversee his rehabilitation programme in conjunction with Yorkshire and he is expected to make a full recovery in time for England’s Test Series against Pakistan in the UAE which starts in January.”

England are expected to name their Test squad for the three-match series next week.

Meanwhile, New Zealand halted Australia’s charge on day one of the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane as former captain Daniel Vettori played a determined innings.

The tourists struggled before lunch but lost only one wicket afterwards to reach 176 for five. Bad light stopped play shortly before the scheduled tea interval, and subsequent rain ensured there would be no resumption.

Vettori, who reached 45 not out, and Dean Brownlie, on 32, shared in an unbroken 80-run partnership, halting the run of wickets.

Mitchell Starc remained the most threatening member of the Australian seam attack, but was handily supported by economical spells from James Pattinson and Peter Siddle. Both Pattinson and Starc were making their Test debuts.