YORKSHIRE have confirmed that Tim Bresnan has informed them of his decision to leave with immediate effect to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere.

Since making his first-class debut for Yorkshire against Northamptonshire in 2003, the 35-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career with the White Rose, being an integral part of the back-to-back County Championship winning sides of 2014 and 2015.

Bresnan arguably had his finest season representing the White Rose in 2016, scooping the club’s Player of the Year award after some fine performances with bat and ball.

Although in vain, Bresnan’s memorable 142 not out against Middlesex during the final game of that season summed up the importance of the Pontefract-born all-rounder’s contributions.

In his career to date, Bresnan has played 199 first-class matches, taking 557 wickets and scoring 6,714 runs.

The all-rounder’s List A statistics are equally as impressive, with 315 wickets and 3,221 runs from 279 games to his name.

It is, however, on the international stage where Bresnan has made a huge impact, being an integral part of two Ashes series victories and playing in every match of England’s T20 World Cup victory in 2010.

Further T20 achievements include victory in the Big Bash with the Perth Scorchers in 2017 and his famous 6-19 in the Roses match at Emerald Headingley that same year, the best T20 bowling figures recorded in the county’s history.

In 173 domestic T20 matches to date, Bresnan has taken 168 wickets, scoring 1,593 runs.

Speaking about his decision to leave Yorkshire, Bresnan said: “I would like to thank Yorkshire for giving me 19 fantastic years and the opportunity when I was younger to kick-start my career.

“Hopefully with me moving aside, the younger players will get their opportunity to kick-start their careers as well.

“It has given me immense pride to represent the county for the best part of two decades. My Yorkshire cap is one of my proudest possessions.

“I would also like to thank the members for their support during my time at Yorkshire.

“I didn’t take this decision lightly but now is the best time to move on. There is still plenty of fire in my belly and I look forward to what the future brings.”

Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s director of cricket, said: “Everyone at the club has huge respect for Tim for what he has achieved in his career for Yorkshire and England.

“He has represented the club with huge pride and distinction for 19 years.

“His contribution both on and off the field has been immense and we wish him every success for the future.”