YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club have announced that all-rounder Tim Bresnan has informed the club of his decision to leave with immediate effect to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere.

Since making his First-Class debut for Yorkshire against Northamptonshire back 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, taking 315 wickets and scoring 3221 runs from 173 games.

It is, however, on the international stage where Bresnan has made a huge impact.

He was an integral part of two Ashes series victories - in 2010/11 and 2013 - as well as being part of the 2011 England side which went on to top the world Testing rankings after the 4-0 series win over India.

Bresnan also played in every match of England’s T20 World Cup victory in 2010 in the West Indies - the nation’s first limited over World Cup win.

In total, since his debut in 2006, Bresnan played 23 Test Matches, 85 One Day Internationals and 34 T20 matches for England.

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

In 173 T20 matches to date, Bresnan has taken 168 wickets, scoring 1,533 runs.

Speaking about his decision to depart from the club, Bresnan expressed his appreciation for those working Yorkshire during his time with the White Rose.

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.

He added: “There is still plenty of fire in my belly and I look forward to what the future brings.”

Martyn Moxon, the director of cricket of Yorkshire and ex-England and Yorkshire batsman, wished Bresnan all the best for his future endeavours.

Moxon 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,” Moxon concluded.