Graeme Swann blames 'dinosaur batting' for defeat

23/01/2012

England off-spinner Graeme Swann blamed England's poor batting for the heavy defeat in the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai, rather than raises suspicions over Saeed Ajmal's bowling action.

Writing his regular column for the Sun, Swann commented: "We batted like a bunch of morons in the First Test," describing the performance as being like that of "cricketing dinosaurs".

Regarding Ajmal's bent-arm bowling, he noted some people are talking about the issue, but not the England dressing room, commenting: "If there is anything wrong with his action, I'm sure the ICC would pick up on it."

Fans will be hoping England can bat better against Ajmal in the second Test in Abu Dhabi, to help ensure England are still the top-ranked Test nation come the first Test of next summer, when fans can enjoy hospitality packages while watching England play the West Indies at Lord's.

England's last Test defeat - in Perth in December 2010 - brought the ideal reaction from the team as they crushed Australia in the next Test in Melbourne by an innings and 157 runs.

By Ted Walker