Swann wary of Australia spin threat

Graeme Swann has enjoyed a wonderful start to his Test career, taking 34 wickets in seven appearances for England

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Graeme Swann believes Australia's slow-bowling talent should not be underestimated as England enter this summer's Ashes series apparently enjoying greater resources in the spin department.

Ever since Shane Warne first bounced onto the Ashes stage in 1993 with his wonder ball to Mike Gatting, Australia have dominated with spin and won six successive series against England with him in their side.

But as Australia prepare to name their Ashes squad overnight, they will know that with Swann and Monty Panesar, England have a significant advantage in that area for the first time in over a decade.

But Swann believes it would be dangerous if England were to believe the hype even if Australia, as expected, name off-spinner Nathan Hauritz as the only frontline spinner in their squad.

Hauritz has claimed 14 wickets in his four Tests to date and Swann stressed: “They might not have the history behind them, but I've only played seven Test matches and, although Monty has got 100 Test wickets, he's not got as much experience as some other spinners around the world.

“When Shane Warne first turned up here no-one had heard of him either. He had bowled once in India and got smashed all over the place so everyone thought England would walk that series and we ended up getting heavily beaten and a star was born there.

“I'm not going to say we've got one up on them here and there because you never know what the Aussies have got; they've always got a strong team.

“We don't actually know the make-up of their squad - they could bring two or three spinners or they may bring one and I hope we've got an advantage in every field.

“They're always going to bring a very competitive side no matter who they pick and it would be nice if spin was one of the areas where we've got the edge on them.”