Swann relishing Indian pitches

Geoff Miller spoke to ECBtv about the England squad selection - watch the video now

Graeme Swann believes the conditions in India will suit him after he was named in the England Test squad to tour the country this winter.

The off-spinner has been in fine form for Nottinghamshire this season, taking 30 wickets in the LV County Championship where they finished narrowly behind Durham in second.

The England selectors rewarded Swann for his efforts today when they named him in the Test squad to tour India in December.

And Swann believes his game is perfectly suited to the subcontinent conditions which are known to favour spin.

"I’m hoping to get myself into the team and make an impression,” Swann said.

He is hoping to link up again with first-choice England spinner Monty Panesar following their time together at Northamptonshire before Swann moved to Trent Bridge in 2005.

“I played alongside Monty at Northants and it’s a partnership that I’m keen to renew,” Swann added.

“I know that the sub-continent is the best place in the world to bowl spin and I’m keen to get out there and do myself justice.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann hopes to make his Test debut in the two-game series in India this December

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“Hopefully the wicket will be turning and that will play into my hands. Also, with Ryan Sidebottom playing there should be a bit of rough for the right-handers which will be in my favour.

“The selection’s very tough these days because there’s so many people on the fringe and knocking on the door.”

Swann expressed his sympathy for Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid who claimed 53 championship wickets but has had to settle for a place with the England Performance Programme trip to India.

“He’s a good bowler and has had a good season, but I think the selectors wanted a bit of variation with the ball coming in on to the bat differently,” he said.

Meanwhile, England national selector Geoff Miller backed Rashid, Ravi Bopara and James Foster to bounce back after they were not included in the Test squad.

Owais Shah was preferred to Bopara, who will be free to return home following the seven-match one-day international series, while Matt Prior and Tim Ambrose will contest wicketkeeping duties in December.

“That’s the decision that has been made by coach and captain. They make those decisions,” Miller added.

“Everyone’s unlucky when they aren’t playing but they will show character and they will keep knocking on the door and they will have to take the opportunity when they get it.”

“We make sure we are fair with everyone. I talked to James (Foster) and he knows where he stands. It is unfortunate for him, but I’m sure he’ll continue to work at his game.”

“Ravi (Bopara) has worked on his game really well this year and it was a tough decision and unfortunately Bopara missed out. I’m sure he’ll bounce back.

“Adil Rashid has bowled very well towards end of year. There’s a long time spent on selecting these sides.

“Everyone is discussed and we decided Graeme’s off-spin would go better with Monty (Panesar).”