2010: Twenty20 and Ashes Success
Bresnan had a successful tour of Bangladesh in 2009/10. He was the leading bowler in the one-day series, with 8 wickets at 15.88. He then returned to the Test team, playing both games after injuries to James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Graham Onions. Bresnan was the top-seamer on either side, taking 7 wickets for 32.29. He also scored his maiden Test half-century in the 2nd Test, eventually out for 91.
England then took part in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 and Bresnan played in all their matches, culminating with victory over Australia in the final; this was the first time England had won an ICC tournament. Bresnan only took 3 wickets at 52.67, the least of England's front-line bowlers.
Bangladesh then toured England, although Bresnan was only able to play one of the Tests. He took 4/169 in the first Test before injury ruled him out of the second. In between the Tests and ODIs, England played Australia due to Bangladesh's participation in the 2010 Asia Cup. Bresnan struggled with the ball, taking just 1 wicket in 5 games. However, he scored vital runs in England's three victories - 26 in the first game, 12 not out in the second and 14 not out in the third game which England won by just 1 wicket. When Bangladesh returned, Bresnan took 3/79 in two games and he followed this with 7/258 in five ODIs against Pakistan.
He was included in the Ashes squad to tour Australia in 2010–2011, making his first appearance in the series in the fourth Test at the MCG in Melbourne. He bowled economically, taking 2/25 off 13 overs in the first innings as Australia were bowled out for just 98. In the second innings, he took the top-order wickets of Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson and Michael Hussey before taking the final wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus. That final wicket saw England win by an innings and 157 runs, take a 2–1 lead in the series and therefore retain the Ashes. He continued his capable performance in the final Test in Sydney, ably supporting James Anderson and Chris Tremlett as England clinched a 3–1 series win in dominating fashion.
Spinner Graeme Swann was injured during the ODI series that followed the Ashes, and Anderson was rested for the first three matches. As a result, Bresnan was left as the bowler with most international experience in England's attack, with 38 wickets in ODIs. England lost the series 6–1 with Bresnan playing two matches and contributing four wickets and 47 runs. An injury to his calf forced Bresnan out of the series with Australia, however he returned to the squad for the World Cup, held in February to April. Bresnan took career best figures of 5/48 in England's tied match against India.
Read more about this topic: Tim Bresnan, International Career
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