Double delight for Graeme Swann as Adelaide pitch favours slow bowlers

Steve Barrett

Double delight for Graeme Swann as Adelaide pitch favours slow bowlers image

The home side grafted 5-273 on what looks a batsman's paradise with Swann removing Chris Rogers (72) for the seventh time in as many Tests and Panesar bowling Steve Smith (six) just before tea with deliveries that turned more than usual for finger spinners on a first-day Adelaide track.

SCORECARD: Second Ashes Test - Australia v England

Swann enjoyed the unforeseen purchase he got out of a deck that he believes is not only good for the sport, but will give England, employing the two specialist spinners, a 'big advantage' over the next four days.

"It (extra turn) surprised us a little bit because Adelaide's normally an absolute featherbed for three days and then turns later on," he said.

"Having lost the toss at Adelaide, you always fear the worst as a bowler.

"This one's shown signs of turning a little bit on day one.

"It's certainly going to turn more, so hopefully the fact we've got two spinners in our team gives us a big advantage.

"We didn't know what to expect to be honest because Adelaide's now got drop-in pitches.

"Perhaps that's the way forward ... perhaps Australia's got a good old-fashioned spinning wicket again.

"I hope so, for the future of cricket."

Swann, who admitted he bowled 'like a drain' in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, clearly relished wheeling away in unison with Panesar, playing his first Test since March after courting some much-publicised off-field controversy during the English summer.

The extrovert off-spinner believes teams should utilise two tweakers on these types of wickets.

"I love it when two spinners play," Swann said.

"I've said that on the record before, that's how all cricket should be played – a minimum of two spinners on slow, low turning wickets.

"It was great. I thought he (Panesar) applied himself really well and it was a beauty to get his wicket (of Smith) as well.

"We don't care what's happened off the field with Monty – he's one of the boys and we love him to bits.

"Monty's Monty. He's always been a bit left-field and a bit different to everyone else and it's one of the reasons we love him so much."

That affection still doesn't extend to Australia, with Swann admitting there remains some feeling between the two sides after a heated opening rubber in Brisbane.

"No, we still hate each other's guts ... I told Michael Clarke I'd rip his ears off but I don't think the stump mike picked it up," Swann said with a laugh, before admitting trash talk is not his style.

"There's always going to be a bit of niggle between England and Australia, between certain protagonists on the field.

"I'm not one for that. I bowl off spin, (so) what's the point of chirping?

"You get smashed over your head the next ball, you look like an idiot."

Steve Barrett