We are spin it to win it
ENGLAND returned from India with their tails firmly between their legs but fans have plenty to get excited about in the shape of two potential world-class spinners. Former Test star Graeme Swann claims Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley are a couple of very good reasons to believe Ben Stokes and his men will succeed next time they tour the subcontinent.
Swann (right) was as impressed as anyone by the emergence of the youngsters who, at times, put India’s batsmen under a spell during the recent series.
Bashir, 20, and Hartley,
24, showed they have both the physical skill and mental strength to cope and thrive on the big stage under huge pressure.
Sadly for England, the batting failed to fire the big totals needed to keep competing with the run-happy hosts – and the tourists slumped to a 4-1 defeat having started so well.
Yet Swann feels there were still plenty of positives to take.
England face Test battles with West Indies and Sri Lanka this summer, and Swann said: “Bashir and Hartley were massive plusses. They proved they have what it takes to do well in Test cricket, which is exciting for the future.
“If they are treated properly and looked after, the next time the team goes out to India, we will have a great chance of winning the series. By that stage we will have two world-class cricketers on our hands.
“The fact they did so well in India having played so few first-class games is a joke! So it’s absolutely frightening to think where Hartley and Bashir can be in a couple of years’ time.” Speaking on the collapse in India, Swann added: “It was a massive shame England couldn’t go on from the great start of winning the opening Test and build on it. They had some very good days but not enough of them, and the results showed that.
“A lot of people claim Bazball doesn’t work in India but, believe me, it will do.aggressive cricket hasn’t worked this time but it will next time.”