Vaughan expects Swann to show class

Pa
Tuesday 30 November 2010 12:06 GMT
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Graeme Swann to live up to his pre-Ashes billing as a match-winner but admits the spinner must improve on his first Test showing to do so.

Swann, the world's number-two-ranked bowler, was widely predicted to be a key figure for England Down Under but struggled in unfriendly conditions during the drawn series opener and received some harsh treatment from the likes of Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting.

Vaughan, an Ashes-winning captain in the memorable 2005 contest, has backed the Nottinghamshire player to recapture his best form but accepts that will not be easy.

"He'll get better as the series goes on," Vaughan told BBC Sport.

"His length was pretty poor and they attacked him which is the main reason he didn't bowl as well,

"The pitches are good - he's not going to get the spin and the drift he got in England with the Duke ball, he doesn't get with the Kookaburra. Finger spin in Australia hasn't had huge success, he's just got to improve.

"If there are runs on the board he'll get confidence. In one Test he'll produce, I'm confident."

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