Tim Bresnan ruled out of series with Pakistan due to elbow injury

Tim Bresnan with team doctor Mark Wotherspoon (GETTY IMAGES)

England seamer Tim Bresnan has been ruled out of the forthcoming series against Pakistan with injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board today confirmed the news that the Yorkshireman will sit out the tour having struggled with an elbow injury which required surgery a month ago.

Bresnan missed the opening tour match against an International Cricket Council Combined XI in the United Arab Emirates, which England won by three wickets today.

England captain Andrew Strauss explained that, after Bresnan attempted a few deliveries on the square as his team-mates prepared for the final day of their first warm-up match this morning, it became apparent his elbow was too painful for him to be considered for the three-Test series beginning on January 17.

"Bresnan tried to bowl today, having had an injection and a good rest," said Strauss.

"I think we were all expecting him to be absolutely fine. But it's very painful - and given that, he's probably not going to be able to play for two or three weeks.

"That means he's unable to play any part in the Test series, so he's flying home."

Graham Onions is with England already, having been added as cover because of what were thought minor injury concerns hanging over Bresnan among others. The Durham seamer will therefore be officially added to the squad. England must nonetheless rethink their gameplan, in the absence of first-choice seamer Bresnan.

Strauss added: "We're all gutted for him, because it's come from left-field. It's surprised him and us."

The captain reported mixed news on England's other injury niggles.

Graeme Swann, who did not take the field today because of tightness in a leg muscle, is to be sent to hospital for a precautionary scan.

Strauss is confident the off-spinner's condition is not too much cause for concern, however.

Fast bowler Chris Tremlett, ruled out of the opening tour match because of an eye infection, is to see the doctor tonight.

But wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who bruised the ring finger of his left hand on the day before this first fixture, will be fit to play in the second against a PCB XI at the same GCA ground venue on Wednesday.

PA