Swann’s injury may prove to be a blessing in disguise
IT’S FAIR to say that this one-day series, designed to ensure England head to the World Cup with their plans set in stone, hasn’t gone swimmingly.
I’m sure England will say a seven-match marathon, following on from a grueling Ashes campaign, was bound to be an anti-climax, but it’s not like these fixtures have been sprung on them.
Injuries have deprived Andrew Strauss of his strike bowlers, but the news that Graeme Swann will miss the last four fixtures might be a blessing in disguise.
The Nottinghamshire twirler (below) will have to play a massive part if England are to have a successful time of it in the subcontinent next month.
A couple of weeks back home with his feet up will do him the world of good, considering he’s played almost non-stop cricket for two-and-half years.
While the bowling department doesn’t worry, the batting is a touch concerning.
Matt Prior, whose recall I supported, is already effectively on trial after successive ducks.
Should he fail again in Adelaide, traditionally a batsman’s paradise, Andy Flower might be forced to hastily rethink his role in the side.