Newell backs Swann to swim

Director of cricket Mick Newell has seen Graeme Swann progress for Notts

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell believes off-spinner Graeme Swann will pose a real threat to India in the first Test at Chennai which starts tomorrow.

Swann is set to make his Test debut nine years after he was first included in a five-day squad, and eight following his first one-day international cap, on the 1999-2000 tour of South Africa.

He will be reunited with former Northamptonshire team-mate Monty Panesar. The pair last played together in a competitive match in 2003, in the county championship against Worcestershire at Wantage Road.

Panesar was consigned to Northants’ second XI in Swann’s last season at the county, with Swann joining Nottinghamshire after the 2004 campaign.

Since then it is Panesar who has flourished at international level, with 33 Tests and 26 one-day internationals to his name.

Panesar made his international bow in the first Test on England’s last tour of India, at Nagpur in March 2006.

And while Swann has had to wait longer for his Test debut, Newell is confident Swann will be ready for the challenge.

“England have obviously looked at Jason Krejza’s success when Australia played against India and decided that using two spinners is the way to go and Graeme is the obvious player to come into the side,” said Newell.

“He has continued to improve and he deserves this chance to impress in conditions which will be favourable to spinners.

“Monty Panesar has cemented the spinner spot but he is always under pressure to perform and it’s a massive opportunity for Graeme because he can offer more with the bat and in the field.

“England have limited seam options with Ryan (Sidebottom) and Stuart (Broad) injured and I know that Graeme can perform at this level.”