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Bracewell hails England depth

Image: Bracewell: Pace praise

John Bracewell has praised the strength in depth of the England pace bowlers in the build-up to Friday's second npower Test match.

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Black Caps boss envious of pace power

New Zealand head coach John Bracewell has praised the strength in depth of the England pace bowlers in the build-up to Friday's second npower Test match at Old Trafford. The inclusion of Chris Tremlett in England's 12-man squad for the crucial second Test has highlighted the multitude of pace options head coach Peter Moores has at his disposal. Durham duo Steve Harmison and Graham Onions were both overlooked for the North West Test, and with injuries to Andrew Flintoff and Liam Plunkett, and Simon Jones on the road to recovery - Bracewell has spoke out in envy at England's attacking options. "England have got some pretty good depth in their bowling at the moment," he said. "You have got guys who you are not even using who are pretty talented as well." After the tourists faced the England Lions in a recent warm-up match at the Rose Bowl, Bracewell also got the opportunity to take a closer look at the threat posed by the recalled Tremlett.

Onions progression

As well as the pace and bounce of the Hampshire seamer, Bracewell also spoke in high regard of the credentials of three men trying to prove points from outside the England environment. Onions, 25, is progressing as one of county cricket's most dangerous pacemen, and 2005 Ashes hero Jones is well on the way to recovery after a lengthy injury absence. Bracewell also mentioned the out of favour Sajid Mahmood as another player capable of stepping back up to the Test arena if required. "We were pretty impressed with the pace of Onions in the Lions game, we have seen Mahmood and Plunkett over the last 12-18 months and were pretty impressed with them as well," said Bracewell. "You've got some pretty good depth, then you've got Jones lurking around, getting wickets as well. "He looked reasonably sharp the other night on TV, so you're not short on resources are you?"

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