Gatting inspired Swann believes England will retain Ashes Down Under

LONDON - England off-spinner Graham Swann believes the Poms will retain the Ashes when they take on the Kangaroos Down Under from November 25.

In an article for the Sun, Swann says that Michael Gatting, who was last England captain to win the Ashes Down Under in 1986, has hugely inspired him.

“My love of cricket was inspired at the age of seven by two videos of Mike Gatting’s triumphant tour of Australia in 1986-87 when England won the Ashes and all the one-day stuff. Our dad bought them for myself and my brother Alec and we played them so often they wore out. I knew all the commentary off by heart,” Swann said.

“We fly Down Under next Friday and I honestly believe we will not just retain the little urn, I am convinced we can win the series outright. I’d love to think a seven-year-old somewhere will feel the same inspiration from watching our exploits this winter. Although it won’t be from an old video cassette, he’ll probably have the action streamed live to his mobile phone! I truly believe we can win,” he adds.

“We’re in good form and high on confidence while the Aussies are losing in India. Things are looking good for us,” Swann says, but adds that the 5-0 thumping when England toured last is still fresh in the mind. (ANI)