Phil Jaques has admitted his delight at Tim Bresnan’s progression into one of world cricket’s premier all-rounders.

Jaques knows more than most just how hard the Yorkshire star has worked to turn his career around, having taken him under his wing during a winter of Sydney grade cricket at the Sutherland District Club in 2005-2006.

Spending a winter abroad playing grade cricket is a well-trodden path for up-and-coming county cricketers.

And a 20-year-old Bresnan grasped the opportunity to join Jaques’ side with both hands just months after the Australian had finished a two-year spell as Yorkshire’s overseas player.

The pair will line up together for the first time since that winter on Thursday when Yorkshire face Kent at Canterbury in the LV= County Championship.

Bresnan will take Anthony McGrath’s place as he prepares for England’s Test series against the West Indies next month.

Jaques is back with Yorkshire for another two-year stay, this time as a non-overseas player by virtue of his British passport.

“I’ve had a lot to do with Tim,” confirmed the 11-time Australia Test player.

“He played out in Australia with my club side, and I’ve seen him really mature as a cricketer.

“He’s always had the ability, but he’s perhaps been a little bit sloppy, a little bit unfit in the past.

"Now he’s hit his straps, he’s strong and fit, he bowls with intent all the time – and he’s an integral part of England’s side. It’s really great to see.”

Bresnan, now 27, was named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year earlier this month on the back of last summer’s performances against Sri Lanka and India.

His position in the England side will lead to inevitable comparisons with the likes of Sir Ian Botham.

Jaques, however, disagrees: “He’s a fantastic all-rounder, although it’s dangerous to say that he’s the new Flintoff or the new whoever,” he said.

“He’s the new Tim Bresnan because he’s re-invented himself into a fine athlete and a good cricketer. I think he’s only going to get better the stronger he gets and the more cricket he plays.”

Bresnan has this incredible record of winning each of the 11 Tests he has played.

Only Australians Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Clark have better records, having won their first 15 and 13 Tests respectively.