Bresnan says he needed cricket’s biggest stage to play his best

MELBOURNE - Having played only six Tests so far, England’s right-arm fast bowler Tim Bresnan said he needed the Ashes campaign platform to play his best.

Bresnan is so laid back he needed a Boxing Day blockbuster to get up for the display that shattered Australia’s Ashes campaign.

While most six-Test novices might freeze on cricket’s grand stage, Bresnan revealed he needed it to fire up.

The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Bresnan, as saying: “I do like being under the pump. I think I do like the big occasion, being under pressure. I think it brings out the best in me and why wouldn’t it on Boxing Day in Australia?”

Bresnan ripped the heart out of Australia’s top order, claiming blue chip victims Shane Watson (54) Ricky Ponting (20) and Mike Hussey (0).

Bresnan’s previous best bowling in an innings was 3-45 against the West Indies at Chester le Street in May last year.

“I think it would be my best performance. I am so happy, over the moon. There are a lot of words to describe it, most of which I can’t describe in a press conference,” Bresnan, 25, said.

Bresnan said both he and Chris Tremlett had been put on notice that they would be required at the back end of the Test series and coach Andy Flower had been good to his word.

Bresnan said he seamlessly adapted to the responsibility of filling in for rested young gun Steve Finn.

“We have prepared as if we were going to play. Andy Flower sat us all down and said he would be very surprised if the same team played in all five Tests, being so hard fought and close together,” said Bresnan, also praising bowling coach Victorian David Saker’s ’spot on’ hints for success at the MCG.

“I think it is horses for courses.”

England is now targeting a 3-1 series defeat of Australia with victory imminent on day four at the MCG. (ANI)