Swann’s use of umpire referral system to sound death-knell for Oz in Ashes: Emburey

LONDON - Former England cricketer John Emburey believes that off-spinner Graeme Swann can capitalize on Australian conditions, and use the umpire referral system as a weapon during next month’s Ashes series.

“With the referral system in place, the Australian left-handers will struggle against him when he bowls at them from round the wicket. You’ve now got HotSpot and Hawk-Eye working in your favour and getting you lbw’s,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Emburey, as saying.

“Swanny gets a high proportion of his wickets lbw, which shows his range of variation in deceiving batsmen. He gets a lot in his first over because he has the ability to spin the ball and batsmen don’t always play the right line.”

“Swanny only has to turn one ball hard then the one which goes straight on becomes lethal,” he added.

Of Swann’s 113 Test wickets, 33.62 per cent have come in the form of lbw. In comparison, less than 13 per cent of Nathan Hauritz’s Test victims have been trapped in front.

In assessing the 31-year-old’s quality, Emburey said that he is now the foremost spin bowler in world cricket, who is capable of dictating the pace of the game.

“Swanny has overtaken all the other spinners in world cricket,” Emburey said. (ANI)