in the ODI series, taking 4–45 in the final match, helping England to win it, although they lost the series 3–2. 2013 New Zealand and ICC Champions Trophy Bresnan was ruled out of England's series in New Zealand due to an injury. There was speculation that the injury would keep him out for some time, but he recovered fairly quickly. He returned for the ICC Champions Trophy, taking 2–45 and making 19 in the opening match against Australia. He was expensive against Sri Lanka but took two wickets in the final group game against New Zealand, helping England to qualify for the semi finals. He did not play against South Africa in the semi final but returned for the final. He was unable to influence the game, remaining wicket-less as India won the trophy. Bresnan did not make an appearance in the Test series against New Zealand. Steven Finn was instead preferred. However, he played in all three ODI's, taking an impressive 2–27 in the final match before the Ashes. In the previous two matches he had not been economical and had struggled to take wickets. However, with the Ashes around the corner, Bresnan was still thought to be in contention, with the third seamer spot being between himself and Steven Finn. 2013 and 2013–14 Australia In the first Ashes Test, Steven Finn was preferred to Bresnan as England took a 1–0 lead in the series. Bresnan was recalled in the second test, taking 2–28 and 2–30 as England went 2–0 up. Bresnan kept his place for the third test. In the fourth test Bresnan took 2–36 as well as making 45. This helped England take a 3–0 lead and win the Ashes. Bresnan suffered an injury ahead of the final test and was unable to play. Bresnan played no part in the limited overs side of the tour, as he was given time to fully recover from his injury ahead of the series in Australia. England endured a torrid time in Australia. Bresnan did not feature in the opening match, England preferring Chris Tremlett. Bresnan did not appear until the third test, taking 1–81 and 2–53. He could only manage 33 runs in the match as England went 4–0 down. He did not feature in the final match of the series. He took 2–64 in the second ODI and made an unbeaten 41 in the third match. In the