Warwickshire County Cricket Club and former England all-rounder Tim Bresnan has announced his retirement from the professional game with immediate effect.
Bresnan will finish his 20-year playing career on a high after helping the Bears secure their eighth County Championship title in 2021.
The 36-year-old received his Warwickshire Cap in April, becoming a pivotal part of the team through key contributions with bat and ball.
Tim Bresnan said: “This has been an incredibly tough decision, but after returning to winter training I feel that this is the right time. I have continued to work hard throughout the off-season to prepare for my 21st professional year, but deep down I feel I can’t reach the high standards that I set myself and my teammates. The hunger and enthusiasm that I have for the game I love will never leave me, but whilst my head is willing to tackle the 2022 season, my body is not.
“I will always look back at my career with immense pride and it’s been an absolute honour to represent Warwickshire, my home county and country. Growing up I never would have believed how lucky I was to play with and against some of the finest cricketers to grace the game.
“These discussions are never easy, but I want to thank Farby, Stuart and the whole team for their support and understanding. When I signed my two-year deal, I was tasked to not only help a young side progress on the field, but off it as well. On reflection, I’m proud of everything we have achieved as a team, and that final day against Somerset will live with me for the rest of my life. I firmly believe this group of players have the potential to build on their success and go from strength to strength.
“To everyone at Edgbaston thank you for supporting me and my family through one of the most exciting periods of my career. From the first moment I arrived at Warwickshire it felt like home and its Members and supporters will always be close to my heart. The phrase ‘Once a Bear Always a Bear’ holds true.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to represent England and Yorkshire and those memories will never leave me. The opportunity to wear the Three Lions is something that should never be taken for granted and I’m proud to have played a very small part in our country’s storied history.
“There are too many people I need to thank, but I hope they know that their guidance and support have been integral to helping me throughout my career. To anyone who has ever helped me, thank you.
“Finally, I can’t finish without thanking my amazing wife, Hannah, my wonderful children, Max, Ozzy and Etta, my unwaveringly supportive friends and all my family. I love you all and I couldn’t have done it without you.
“I’m excited for my next chapter and am determined to throw everything into it, like I did on the cricket field for so many years.”
Across his First-Class career, Bresnan amassed 7,138 runs and 575 wickets with seven centuries and nine five-wicket hauls.
At international level, the right-hander went on to represent England on 142 occasions, including 23 Tests, forming part of the team that won the 2010/11 Ashes in Australia and went to the top of the Test rankings in 2011.
Bresnan was also part of the England side that secured the 2010 World Twenty20 trophy for the first time.
“Tim has had an astounding career,” said Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with him throughout his cricketing journey and he has been a marvellous servant to the game.
“When Tim joined Warwickshire, I believed he could make a huge impact to our side with his experience, knowledge and attitude, and as a County Champion he has certainly achieved that. His performances for the Club have been exemplary and the impact he made on that final day against Somerset will be something that no Bear will ever forget.
“During his international career, Tim rose to the occasion when his country needed him and his achievements on the biggest stage show how talented and driven, he is.
“Knowing when to retire is an incredibly difficult decision for every professional sports man and woman and I know how much time and thought Tim would have made to reach this conclusion. Sadly, for us all, Tim can’t continue, but he deserves a huge amount of credit for making this call with plenty of time ahead of the season.
“Tim has certainly made his mark on this Club and his impact will be missed. We will look to replace him on and off-the-field, whilst welcoming back with open arms when he returns to Edgbaston.”
