Swann can turn Ashes series in England’s favour: Lee

LONDON - Australian fast bowler Bret Lee, who was one of England’s chief tormentors when they suffered the humiliation of being whitewashed by Australia on their last tour Down Under, feels off-spinner Graeme Swann could turn the Ashes series in England’s favour.

“Swann and Nathan Hauritz have revamped off-spin bowling in world cricket. We have recently struggled against spin, so he will play a huge role for England. If the wickets have some turn, he could come into his own and dominate the series,” The Daily Express quoted Lee, as saying.

“Not having Freddie Flintoff there will provide a chance for some of their bowlers to stand up. Swann could be the key, and if we start poorly against him he could be the difference,” he added.

Bret Lee said the result of the next month’s Ashes series would be determined on the performance of the English batsmen against the Australian bowling attack.

“Anything is possible! But looking at the sides, I think we’ll see a pretty evenly contested series. How England handle the pressure of the Aussie bowling attack will determine the result,” he added.

Further talking about Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who might probably lead his side for the last time in an Ashes series, Lee said: Obviously every Test captain wants to win an Ashes series and that will be a high priority for Ricky.

“He is a world-class player and when he leads from the front he is at his best. This will be a massive series for Ricky,” he added.

Lee claimed that he is very comfortable with his decision to retire from Test cricket.

” I am the world’s worst watcher of cricket, so you won’t see me getting frustrated. I will miss the new ball, and the buzz and excitement of a Test match. I am comfortable with my decision to retire from Test cricket,” said Lee.

“And after so many successful memories it will be nice to see our next generation of players win us an Ashes series,” he added. (ANI)