‘Joker’ Swann will prove to be a ‘world-beater’ in Ashes series, says brother

LONDON - Graeme Swann’s brother Alec reckons that the England off-spinner will be a force to reckon with when the first Ashes Test against Australia begins on November 25.

“Graeme’s record in county cricket is very good, but not world-beating. Yet, in a Test side, he is a world-beater. A handful of cricketers can play at a different level when they leave the county game. Graeme is one,” the Sun quoted Alec, as saying.

“He is the best bowler in the world. He comes across as a joker, but he has worked hard. I am delighted, though a bit surprised, how quickly he has done it,” he added.

Alec, a former Lancashire opening batsman, further said that one of the proudest moments for the Swann family was at the Oval in 2009 when Graeme took Australian batsman Michael Hussey’s wicket to clinch the Ashes.

“It was a great day and hopefully, Graeme can do well again in this series. The Aussies will be no pushovers, but if we don’t lose in Brisbane, we will win the series,” Alec said. (ANI)