graeme swann

England whitewash India 4-0: Dénouement complete

The rout is complete.

The English Lions, in their own den, knocked the Indians from their perch of the No.1 Test team in the world.

The mighty have fallen—hard.

Team India nestle at No.3 behind South Africa.

For one brief session on the fifth day of the last Test, Sachin Tendulkar and Amit Mishra showed what could have been. Had the Indian batsmen applied themselves similarly in the first three matches, the series result could have been quite different.This was the only batting session—in the entire series—that the Indians did not lose a wicket.

The English bowlers, for the first time in the series, showed signs of frustration. Graeme Swann kicked the turf, repeatedly.

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Graeme Swann: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

"I spend half my working life standing next to Strauss and I have to admit he is a bit of a hero to me."

Graeme Swann admits to hero worshipping his skipper, Andrew Strauss.

What he really meant:

“Strauss is the pillar I lean on. As for the other half of my working life, I spend next to KP. Now you know, no real comparison.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Andrew, you’re the wind beneath my wings.”

Graeme Swann: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I want to do them and their family ill. I want to hunt them down and do them harm. That feeling doesn’t last long.”

Graeme Swann feels murderous when any of his teammates misfield off his bowling.

What he really meant:

“I’m a skinflint when it comes to leaking runs off my bowling and I expect my teammates to feel the same way too.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I was on the back-up team to hunt down Osama Bin Laden.”

Graeme Swann: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“We could be collecting bins or laying bricks on a cold morning in England.”

Graeme Swann believes that young cricketers are too soft and do not appreciate the benefits and perks of earning their living from playing the game.

What he really meant:

“Most cricketers would hate an alternative career—given a choice.How lucky are we?”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Cricket is a game played on cold winter mornings in England.”

Graeme Swann: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I don’t think I could still be the light-hearted, piss-taking guy if I was in a position of authority.”

Graeme Swann prefers not being in a position of responsibility. He did not apply for the job of England skipper because he’d rather have fun on and off the field.

What he really meant:

“You know when you’re skipper you have to be this diplomatic guy careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings.Well, that’s not me.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Being skipper is a bed of roses. You don’t have to take piss.”