It's Like Playing Against Pakistan: Graeme Swann Says His Team Of 2011 Can Beat 'Bazball One'

Graeme Swann has said the England team of 2011 could beat any English Test team including the current side. The former England spin spearhead was an integral member of the England team led by Andrew Strauss.

They won back-to-back Ashes triumphs in 2009 and 2010-11 with the latter one coming in Australia before the Strauss-led side rose to the top of the ICC Test rankings and held the No.1 spot for a year. In both those years, Graeme Swann played a huge role for the English outfit.

In 2010, he was the highest wicket-taker in Tests as he claimed an impressive 64 wickets 14 matches with the help of 6 five-wicket hauls. In 2011, the right-arm off-spinner picked up 27 wickets in 8 games as England dominated Tests in those years. And Graeme Swann is confident that the England team could beat the current England side which is fast becoming one of the most feared teams in the world.

Graeme Swann’s on facing ‘Bazball one’:

In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Graeme Swann stated that the England Test team of 2011 could beat any England Test side including the current one. The current team led by Ben Stokes is seen by many as one of the most dominating batting teams in the history of Test cricket.

Before drawing the Ashes 2-2 this year, the English team won 10 of 12 Test matches and scored at 4.76 runs an over which was more than one run per over more than any other Test side. Graeme Swann, however, is confident that the Test team led by Strauss could still beat the current team.

“Nothing gets close to playing, I can tell you that. But that happens; you play and experience the best years of your life and I was lucky to be in a very successful England team for a few years. When I look at it, I still think we’d beat any England team. Even the Bazball one – we’d beat them. I don’t mind going at five an over if I get five-fer, it’s like playing against Pakistan!” said Graeme Swann.

“But you’re always chasing, you’re always trying to get that feeling back. If you’re born into cricket, and raised playing cricket, you just want to be involved. After a while, you’re itching to get back out there. And I’ve loved every minute of it so far,” he added.