Tag 2nd-test-2012

Tim Bresnan has emerged as England’s lucky mascot of sorts. After England’s victory against the West Indies in the second of the three match Investec test series, Bresnan earned the moniker as the win was England’s 13th successive win with Bresnan in the side.

In fact, Bresnan is yet to be on losing side at the highest level for England, winning all 13 tests he's been part of. However, Bresnan, or Big Tim as he is affectionately called, prefers being called his team’s lucky charm, rather than a mascot. Speaking to the Express newspaper (UK), Bresnan explained why he preferred the word ‘charm’ over ‘mascot’.

“I prefer being called a lucky charm to being called a mascot. They dress up in silly outfits, do flick flaks and dance around. For me, it’s just nice to be able to make a contribution.”

Talking about his contribution, Bresnan said, “But I have made a significant contribution here and a big difference in the game and that is great.” After the game, Bresnan seemed happy but was aware there were moments during the game when England appeared to let things go. England looked on top in the first innings on the second test and were at 259/2. However, lost their last eight wickets for 169, giving the West Indies a chance to get back in the game.

Bresnan played an important knock of 39 runs to bolster the English innings. When he came out to bowl, Big Tim took 4-37 after his first innings’ 4-104, making a match winning tally of eight wickets.

With talks of resting one of the English bowlers in order to give a chance to Steven Finn, there are chances of Bresnan being rested for the final test match in Edgbaston, but the big Yorkshireman is in no mood to relax. “From a personal point of view, I have five days off and expect to be fresh and ready,” he said.

Comparing the Lord’s wicket to the one at Trent Bridge, Bresnan said, “Lord’s was pretty slow and this one, because of the weather, got really dry and there was not much in it for the seamers. But we found a bit of reverse swing which helped us. I didn’t really do much different, I just tried to hit my areas back of a length and the reverse swing got us a few wickets.”

The West Indies now have nothing to lose except their pride in the final test. Not thinking of them lightly, Bresnan said, “They are holding their own, they are to be respected because they are a really good side.”