England’s lead spinner Graeme Swann feels that Indian tweakers will not be a threat to English batsmen on the turning tracks of the sub-continent. England have managed to win just two of the 22 Test matches, excluding matches against Bangladesh, in the sub-continent, struggling against the spinners.
But Swann feels the batsmen would do well on the ‘traditional pitches’ of India. During the three Tests against Pakistan last year, England struggled against unorthodox spinner Saeed Ajmal, who claimed 24 wickets. ‘I think last winter was a bit different. When we played in Dubai, the wicket was very skiddy and span as well. India’s wickets are more traditional, more what people are used to, so I would be very surprised if that happens again,’ Swann said. Swann also rated Ajmal as a top mystery spinner and said India lacks a bowler like the Pakistani off-spinner. ‘We were bowled out by a mystery spinner (Ajmal) that batsmen could not pick. India are not really blessed with a mystery spinner like Ajmal,’ he added.
But Swann feels the batsmen would do well on the ‘traditional pitches’ of India. During the three Tests against Pakistan last year, England struggled against unorthodox spinner Saeed Ajmal, who claimed 24 wickets. ‘I think last winter was a bit different. When we played in Dubai, the wicket was very skiddy and span as well. India’s wickets are more traditional, more what people are used to, so I would be very surprised if that happens again,’ Swann said. Swann also rated Ajmal as a top mystery spinner and said India lacks a bowler like the Pakistani off-spinner. ‘We were bowled out by a mystery spinner (Ajmal) that batsmen could not pick. India are not really blessed with a mystery spinner like Ajmal,’ he added.