SWANN’S SPIN ON AUSSIE PACEMEN
ALTHOUGH Graeme Swann was a spinner he is no stranger to the art of fast bowling – or to the sledge, it seems.
He was on the receiving end of Mitchell Johnson’s sudden burst of firepower during the last Ashes Down Under after all when the twirler retired mid-series as England were pumped 5-0.
So, England fans who have a dreaded feeling of history repeating might like to hear what he has to say about the current crop of Aussie quicks, led by Mitchell Starc.
Swann told SunSport their bowling prowess has been over-hyped leading up to the first Test in Brisbane.
“Australia have lost their best fast bowler in James Pattinson,” Swann said.
“Mitchell Starc can get it through all right but he’s not as quick as Mitchell Johnson used to be.
“Josh Hazlewood is not quick. Pat Cummins doesn’t stay fit for more than two or three games.
“They’re thinking ‘halleluiah’ James Pattinson is injured - it’s a massive boost.”
However, Swann still accepts that England captain Joe Root has a vital role in preparing his men before battle.
Firstly, tell them to be less British, and secondly, help them find their “Zen”.
“There are loads of things that could trip them up, but the trick for England is not to think about them,” Swann said. “Everything will go perfectly. That’s what England should be instilling in players.”