Bresnan makes half-century on return

Tim Bresnan struck an unbeaten half-century for the England Performance Programme on the first day of their match against Queensland 2nd XI in Brisbane. Bresnan could be in line to return for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide if he can prove his fitness after a stress fracture in his back.

England will hope Bresnan has further success with the ball, after he scored 57 not out batting at No. 9. The three-day match is his first competitive appearance since the fourth Test against Australia in August, after which Bresnan missed the rest of the season through injury.

The Test squad have headed to Alice Springs for their match against a CA Chairman's XI on Friday and Saturday but Bresnan remained in Brisbane with the EPP for the game at Allan Border Field.

The EPP posted 376 for 9, after being put in to bat, with Middlesex batsman Sam Robson scoring a century in the country of his birth. Robson, whose future had been subject of much conjecture until he committed himself to a prospective England career by joining this tour, retired out for 102.

Moeen Ali made 83 in the middle order and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler 54. The EPP have fielded 13 players in the match but only batted with 11.