Bresnan extends Yorkshire contract

Tim Bresnan: in form with bat and ball © Getty Images

Tim Bresnan has signed a new two-year contract with Yorkshire that will keep him at Headingley until 2009.

Bresnan, 22, has taken 131 first-class wickets at 31.81 since 2001, and last week hit a career-best 126 not out for England Lions against the touring Indians at Chelmsford. He was recently named in England's 30-man preliminary squad for the inaugural Twenty20 World Championships that take place in South Africa in September.

"I'm delighted to pledge my future to Yorkshire," said Bresnan. "The arrival of Darren Gough, as captain, and Martyn Moxon, as director of cricket, has been really exciting for all of the players here. The club is going from strength to strength and this is the place where I want to play my cricket. We've got some massive games around the corner and a chance to win a trophy for Yorkshire's loyal supporters."

Moxon said: "It is great news that Tim is staying with us. He's popular in the dressing room and works hard for the team. Although people class him as a bowling all-rounder, the hundreds he scored at The Oval and in the recent England Lions match show that his batting is getting better all the time."

Stewart Regan, Yorkshire chief executive, said: "Tim is a quality allrounder and an important part of the club's future. This is why we are all delighted he has signed a new deal, which will put an end to recent newspaper speculation surrounding his future. Tim has had a taste of international cricket and wants more England caps and I am sure those will come if he continues to improve and work hard. He belongs in a cap with a White Rose on it."