Umpire Decision Review System biggest single factor in recent rise of spinners: Swann

SYDNEY - England off-spinner Graeme Swann reckons that the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) will help him scalp more wickets during the upcoming Ashes series.

“The introduction of the UDRS has been the biggest single factor in the rise of spinners over the last couple of years, as it brings a few genuine dismissals that were turned down years ago,” the Telegraph quoted Swann, as saying.

“It used to be so easy for left-handers to sit there and stick their leg down the middle of the pitch, get rapped on the pad, and get away with it.”

“It’s still like that if you don’t have the DRS working, so I am very happy that it is around in the Ashes, as Australia have a few left-handers,” he added.

The 31-year-old further acknowledges that the Australian players would target him due to his ‘most serious threat’ status for the series.

“I’m expecting one or two of their players to come hard. The trick as a bowler is to try to stay on top and I have plans A, B and C for all of them,” Swann said.

“But you have to remember the added pressure of an Ashes Test can do funny things to batsmen and bowlers. A lot of the time is using that extra pressure to your advantage,” he added.

Swann has taken 113 wickets in 24 Tests since his debut against India just under two years ago. (ANI)