Swann was intimidated by in-form Hussey in Perth Test: Healy

SYDNEY - Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has credited in-form middle-order batsman Mike Hussey for neutralizing England’s world No.1 spin bowler Graeme Swann.

Swann was the tourist’s trumpcard when England took a 1-0 lead following the second Test in Adelaide, but was disappointing in the third Test in Perth’s WACA Ground.

The off-spinner bowled just 25 overs, taking 2-103 as Australia marched to a 267 run win to square the series at 1-1.

“Traditionally Australia is not a place for off-spinners, but in the second Test Swann was outstanding - right up there with how his world ranking looks,” the Sun quoted Healy, as saying.

“In Perth he was terrible. He looked down in himself and didn’t have good interaction with his captain. Hussey got to him a little bit and he was disappointing. But that said, I don’t expect it to happen again,” he added.

On the other hand, Hussey has scored 517 runs at an average of 103 in the series so far, which includes his career best 195 in the opening Test at the Gabba.

The 35-year-old has also become the first batsman to record six successive Ashes fifties. (ANI)