‘David Hasselhoff of cricket’ Swann key to England’s Ashes victory, says Warne

SYDNEY - Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has said that off-spinner Graeme Swann holds the key to England’s chances of winning the upcoming Ashes series.

England have arrived Down Under to defend the urn they claimed with a 2-1 success on home soil last year.

“Graeme Swann is England’s key and he will thrive on that. He will enjoy being the man. He is going to stroll around like David Hasselhoff,” the Daily Express quoted Warne, as saying.

“To me, he is probably the best spinner in the world and probably the most improved cricketer in the world too. England have to make sure he is standing up for the Tests. If he breaks a leg they’re in big trouble.”

“In Australia you need a slow bowler that can take lots of wickets because the pitches all spin. Swann has to take 25 wickets,” he added.

The 41-year-old further believes that rest of England’s bowling resources will fail in Australian conditions.

“I don’t think England have an unbelievable attack. Australia aren’t going to struggle against the new ball,” Warne said.

“Jimmy Anderson’s record has improved, but it is horrible in Australia because the ball does not swing here,” he added.

The first of the five Ashes Tests will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from November 25 to 29.

It will be followed by Tests in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The tour also has two Twenty20 clashes and a seven-match ODI series. (ANI)