England seamer Tim Bresnan is hopeful he could be fit to play in the first Ashes Test against Australia next month in Brisbane, despite not being picked in the main squad.
Bresnan has not played since the series-clinching fourth Test win against Australia at Durham in August due to a stress fracture in his back.
The 28-year-old was subsequently left out of England’s 17-man Ashes touring squad, however, he will travel with the team as he continues to receive treatment.
So far, Bresnan’s rehabilitation has gone to plan and, while he thinks it will be “touch and go” as to whether he is fit for the opening Test at the Gabba from November 21, he is confident he will be right to play thereafter.
“It (his recovery) is going really well,” he was quoted as saying in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
“Fingers crossed, I’ve not felt it (the injury) since three days after I did it. It never even felt like a stress fracture, to be fair. But obviously the scans showed one up. I’ve just got to roll with it and do the rehab to the letter.
“We fly to Australia the 23rd (of October) and then we’ll build it up back to bowling from there.
“Hopefully if all goes well in the first couple of sessions, I’ll do a few roll throughs and see how it feels. Then I’ll progress it as you would going on any tour.
“Fingers crossed, depending on warm-up games and stuff like that, I’ll be available for selection from the outset, I think.
“What the medical staff are saying is it’s not to be rushed. We’re in a position where it’s going to be played by ear.
“As much as I understand, it’s touch and go for Brisbane. Thereafter, there’s definite possibilities.”
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