Swann, Bresnan to be fit for first Test against South Africa: Flower

London, July 12 (ANI): England coach Andy Flower expects spinner Graeme Swann and pacer Tim Bresnan to be fit for next week's first Test against South Africa, after both had suffered elbow injuries.

Swann has missed the last three games, while Bresnan sat out Tuesday's win over Australia at Old Trafford.

Spinner Swann is such an integral part of the Test side, that he has already had a painkilling injection to ensure he can play.

"They have had these elbow problems. Our medical staff believe they will be fit and available for selection for the first Test, but it's a strenuous exercise being a bowler playing international cricket," the Daily Express quoted Flower, as saying.

"They play all three forms of the game so that's why Swann missed a big part of the one-day series and why we rested Bresnan. Swann has had a cortisone injection in his elbow and, with the combination of rest and the injection, he should be fit for the Test," he said.

Ravi Bopara one of the top scorers against Australia in the ODI series is sure to return to the Test squad. (ANI)