Yorkshire fast bowler Tim Bresnan has been upset by suggestions that he missed out on an England World Cup place because he was overweight and not fit enough.

Such charges have been categorically denied by Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan and the county club's coaching staff, who have sprung to the defence of the 21-year-old paceman.

When England's initial squad of 30 was announced just over a week ago, chairman of selectors David Graveney said that Bresnan, Darren Gough and Ian Blackwell had not been included because they had not been able to prove their fitness would be at a suitable level by February 15 when the squad will be halved.

Since then, however, Graveney has apologised to Gough for the way in which he was told he had been omitted and Somerset have said that Blackwell was only below full fitness because he had not played any cricket recently.

Regan said: "Since England's announcement, it has been suggested in some sections of the media and on certain websites that Tim was overweight and that it was his own fault he had not been picked for England.

"This has been very upsetting for the player and nothing could be further from the truth.

"Tim suffered a back injury following his call-up by England for the one-day series against Sri Lanka last summer but he has worked very hard on his fitness during the winter and is now well on his way to a full recovery.

"He is currently at Loughborough preparing for the England A tour of Bangladesh next month and I am told he is in good condition and looking fitter than he has for a long time.

"Tim technically did not pass the England fitness test at Loughborough but the wording of the ECB message was a little unfair and the Yorkshire club are keen to defend him against any charges of unfitness."

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