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[The 22nd Yard]

Update on Graeme Swann's injury...

http://blog.custombats.co.uk/2013/03/29/swann-looks-to-play-as-long-as-embury/

What is your say on Swann, how many more years should he play for England?

[uknsaunders]

Since monty wasn't ripping through the NZ order, we need Swanny back asap.

[Chad]

As long as he can keep doing his job I guess. I think that he was a major reason as to why England didn't perform in the NZ series, and England should try keep him for as long as they can!

[Danny1870]

swanny would undoubtedly strengthen most sides in world cricket, so to have him back fit for the ashes both home and away will be a massive advantage for us.

[The 22nd Yard]

I have a feeling I may receive some stick for writing this post before he headed to America for the operation then :/

http://blog.custombats.co.uk/2013/03/07/is-swann-really-all-that-oh-and-england-players-arent-paid-enough/

He's obviously a truly class player, a influential player for any side. But beyond this Ashes double header, I struggle to see him realistically fighting off the younger generation.

[joeljonno]

I think he's got a while in the test arena, perhaps not much in the one dayers. Probably 2 good years before the young ones will be ready.

[The 22nd Yard]

I think he's got a while in the test arena, perhaps not much in the one dayers. Probably 2 good years before the young ones will be ready.

Seems fair, I think that 2013/14 will most definitely be his last Ashes though and probably 2015 his last World Cup. Then it becomes the point where 'you should leave while your still wanted, not because your not wanted'

[Rustyc30]

You never wish anyone to get injured but now that his is he should take his time to come back no need to rush back for the ashes. Then it might be a fare comparison of spinners we have Lyon on the park England have swann in the stands.  Yep its even then

[The 22nd Yard]

You never wish anyone to get injured but now that his is he should take his time to come back no need to rush back for the ashes. Then it might be a fare comparison of spinners we have Lyon on the park England have swann in the stands.  Yep its even then

Panesar vs Lyon would be a fairer battle

[Manormanic]

Lyon vs the average County second teamer?

[The 22nd Yard]

Lyon vs the average County second teamer?

Yep, not like Lyon will be any better on English pitches!

Panesar may be poor, and don't get me wrong I am not a Panesar fan in any way, but Flower obviously backs him to be his second choice, and I am a big Flower fan, so he must be doing something right!

[Manormanic]

Panesar may be poor, and don't get me wrong I am not a Panesar fan in any way, but Flower obviously backs him to be his second choice, and I am a big Flower fan, so he must be doing something right!

Panesar is what can loosely be termed a horses for courses selection - Swann is very much England's number one spinner and will remain so pretty much as long as he is able to get his arm around.  Meanwhile, whatever you make think of Panesar, he has a good level of international experience and a reasonably calm head on his (bowling) shoulders - so in the circumstances where he is likely to play you either have:
1. a solid spinner on a raging turner who, crucially, turns it the opposite way to Swann and at a very different pace and tajectory or...
2. a guy who can reasonably be expected to block up an end as the team workhorse.

Now, where Swann not on teh scene, you'd need to consider other variables, such as their ability to take wickets on intermediate pitches, their wider contribution etc, in which case you may well choose someone other than Monty...

[The 22nd Yard]

Now, where Swann not on teh scene, you'd need to consider other variables, such as their ability to take wickets on intermediate pitches, their wider contribution etc, in which case you may well choose someone other than Monty...

Especially against Australia, who have to ability to play mainly left-handed batsmen and we all know Monty sometimes struggle against left-handers. That's why I think Borthwick should get a serious shout, being an English leg spinner who's fairly good is very rare.

[petehosk]

Monty has shown that he's quality in some conditions. But not sure I rate Monty that highly on English wickets!
I prefer Treadwell in English conditions with Root as a backup with KP bowling the occasional couple of overs if need be.

[The 22nd Yard]

If just Warne was 10 years younger, a Swann vs Warne series would be a very interesting watch.

If the Aussie's are bold they could throw youngster Ashton Agar into the fold, a lanky left-armer that could use the variable bounce and with his height wouldn't depend on big spinning pitches to get wickets. Would be a very very bold choice though.