Swann mocks Australian theory of playing orthodox slow left-armers against England
With just four days to go, the war of words goes forward as the preparations for The Ashes opener heats up in the tropical climate of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Queensland-c834. The sensational right-arm off-spinner, Graeme Swann, added a new edge to the pre-match sparing
when he challenged the Australian strategy of including uncapped left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty.
Swann’s uncapped Australian opposite Doherty was included into the Australia’s squad for the first Ashes Test at the cost of off-spinner Nathan Hauritz and is expected to make his maiden Test appearance when both The Ashes rivals confront
each other at the Gabba on Thursday.
The 13-man trimmed squad announced by Cricket Australia last week includes two spin bowlers Steven Smith and Xavier Doherty – both almost inexperienced.
Steven Smith, who made his Test debut in July this year after the regular spin specialist Nathan Hauritz got injured, has played only two Tests so far picking up three wickets.
On the other hand, the 28-year-old slow left-armer has never experienced international cricket. His 35 first-class appearances for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Tasmania-c854 have bagged him 84 at an average of 48. Despite his lack of experience, the Australian selectors
feel Doherty’s orthodox left-arm spin, might trouble the visiting batting line-up more than the right-armer Hauritz.
But the Australian theory was batted back by England’s off-spinner, Graeme Swann, as he said his side was indifferent about the Australian gamble and that the promising KP (Kevin Pietersen) could "destroy left-arm spinners".
“It's not a concern for us because we've seen Kevin destroy left-arm spinners”, said Swann. "Any batsman can get out to any bowler any time. I know it doesn't worry Kevin and it doesn't worry the rest of us", he added.
The 31-year-old Swann, who is currently ranked as the No. 2 spinner in international cricket, did not agree with the opinion that it would mostly be his effort if England succeeded in winning an Ashes in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 after a gap of 24 years.
Swann, since debuting in 2008, has claimed a remarkable 113 wickets from just 24 Test matches. He said that England’s every success has always been a team effort. “If we're not putting on big totals and taking wickets at the other end, it's
hard for me to do very well”, said the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nottinghamshire-c826 player. “It's nice. It shows that I've had a good couple of years if people are saying that. But I'm not buying into it".
Both England and Australia will face off against each other in The Ashes opener at the Gabba this Thursday.
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