Anthony McGrath column

Tim Bresnan has come back into our dressing room and it’s like he has never been away.

He was around the lads over the weekend, training and practising ahead of our County Championship matches against Kent and Leicestershire over the next couple of weeks.

I think some international players will find it difficult going back into county cricket in terms of fitting back into the dressing room – but Brezzy’s never had any problems with that.

Being acknowledged as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year is a fantastic achievement for him and thoroughly deserved for what he’s done over the last 18 months.

This record of 11 straight Test wins with England that he has is absolutely amazing. Though I’m not sure of the number, I think Adam Gilchrist is the only one with a better record than Brezzy in that regard.

I guess it will end some time, no doubt, but it’s one of those incredible stats that sport throws up. It’s absolutely fantastic for him to have on his CV.

Unfortunately for me, Brezzy being around means that I won’t be travelling down to Canterbury.

I batted at seven and bowled against Essex, which is the role that he will take on against Kent on Thursday. We thought I would be best served getting in some cricket with the second team instead of travelling and not playing.

I will be playing tomorrow’s one-day game against Leicestershire at Harrogate and then the three-day game against them, starting Thursday.

Obviously it’s frustrating not to be involved with the first team – but it’s still very early on in the season. I’ve just got to try and build on the form that I had in pre-season and go from there.

I feel in good nick, so it’s just a case of trying to stake a claim through weight of runs.

Tymal Mills, the lad who got me out for Essex, must be one of the quickest bowlers in county cricket.

From speaking to Paul Grayson, they’re very excited about him. He has some great attributes – he’s strong, quick and has a hell of a lot of talent, seeing as he only started bowling four or five years ago. If he can keep fit, he’ll definitely be one to look out for.