• England Cricket

Swann confident Bell will come good

ESPN staff
April 9, 2012
Graeme Swann took ten wickets in the second Test against Sri Lanka © Getty Images
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England spinner Graeme Swann feels that Ian Bell will turn his Test career around over the next few months, in the process proving he has what it takes to dominate the spinners.

Bell only managed one score above 50 in the Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan - and, although all of the England top order had their struggles during that period, it was he who toiled the most.

However, Swann feels that Bell, who averages over 45 in Tests, has too much quality not to come good, earning his spot on the plane to India in the process.

"There were times when we have really struggled [batting against spin] but this win shows we're developing quickly in that regard. I bowl at these guys in the nets most days and know they are very good players of spin," Swann said to the Sun.

"I'd be more than happy to state that the batsmen who played here are the guys who will be on the plane to India at the end of the year, and they will score big runs there."

Swann grabbed ten wickets in the match as England defeated Sri Lanka in the second Test to protect their status as the No. 1 team in the world, and he is delighted to have once again proved his pedigree.

"A lot of people were questioning my form in our 0-3 loss against Pakistan in the UAE, suggesting Monty Panesar was breathing down my neck to be considered England's top spinner," Swann said. "But I've been happy with how I've bowled all winter. If I've silenced a few critics, that's great."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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