Ashes 2010: Dependable Tim Bresnan to lead England fight back

MELBOURNE - Yorkshire fast bowler Tim Bresnan is strongly expected to play in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as England plan how best to respond to their 267-run defeat at the WACA.

Bresnan’s all-round reliability has become increasingly attractive to England with Steve Finn beginning to show the effects of an exhausting debut season and Jimmy Anderson under treatment for a stiff side.

Finn is England’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes with 14 victims but he disappeared for more than five an over in Perth and England are determined to impose themselves on a slower pitch at the MCG.

According to The Guardian, Bresnan’s ability to bowl long and consistent spells is working in his favour.

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has called for Finn to be rested.

“He has done fantastically well since he has come into the England team. I think he looks mentally tired. I’d just give him a break. He’s getting wickets - that’s the encouraging thing - but maybe he’s going for one run too many an over,” Harmison.

Opener Alastair Cook has backed the batsmen to hit back after their failure in Perth and insists England have no issue with the Melbourne pitch. (ANI)