Swann in lost passport Ashes drama as England fly to Oz
SPINNER Graeme Swann gave England chiefs an almighty scare yesterday ahead of the team’s departure for the Ashes when he lost his passport.
Swann feared he may have to miss the flight to Australia, where England will be defending the urn, after mislaying the travel document. The star of England’s bowling attack revealed his desperation on Twitter.
Swann wrote: “Are passports still absolutely required to travel overseas? If so then I fear today may be one of frantic searching.”
Five hours later a relieved Swann reported he had found it, clearing him to join up with the rest of the squad tomorrow.
“My passport turned up in my ‘safe’ place, down the back of the kitchen bin,” he wrote. “Thanks to all at the Home Office for your offer of help.”
Under Passport Office rules, Swann would have had to use their one-week fast-track service in order to obtain a replacement. There is a same-day service, but people who have lost their passports are not entitled to it.
Meanwhile, Australia are set to sack one of their selectors this week, less than a month before the first Ashes Test starts on 25 November.