Swann Looking Forward to Historic Rose Bowl Test Match

England's spin bowler talks about the Rose Bowl Test

As England prepare for the final Test in the three match series against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday, a series they currently lead 1-0, Graeme Swann is in buoyant mood about playing his part in Rose Bowl history.

"It’s really come together in the last couple of years here." Swann told rosebowlplc.com in an exclusive interview at the ground. "The pitch is now exceptional and I know all the team are really looking forward to it.’

Having won the first Test in Cardiff by an innings and 14 runs, England had looked well placed to go onto win the series comfortably but the resilient Sri Lanka fought back to secure a draw at Lord’s. That means England now have to win at The Rose Bowl if they are to defeat the tourists and win the series 2-0.

For Swann, a return to Hampshire Cricket’s home brings back welcome memories for him, as his 3-26, coupled with Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 107 guided England to an emphatic 121 run victory in the fifth and deciding one-day international against Pakistan at The Rose Bowl last September.  ""I have good memories from that day. I remember I had to get to the ground first so I could get the same spot in the dressing room because I’m very superstitious! That was one of our best wins last year and the team celebratory song after the game was absolutely magnificent. I’d love to do the same this week!'

Swann, who is currently ranked as the eighth-best Test bowler in the world says he relishes performing in front of the South Coast crowd. 

"There’s always a good supporting public down here who love their cricket. We’ve always received great support at The Rose Bowl for one-day games in the past and I’m sure it will be the same during the Test."

As is the case for every Test match that England play, the pitch is a big talking point. But Swann is excited to bowl on what he calls a ‘good cricket wicket’ at the home of Hampshire Cricket. 

"I’ve done a lot of bowling in this series even though the bat has largely dominated, but it is a good pitch here and I’m looking forward to playing on it. When the ground first opened it was a bit of a horror pitch for batsman but that is the case for most new grounds. 

"Over the years I think it has become a really good cricket wicket so I’m hoping it will have some pace and bounce and we will all get a good bowl on it."

Graeme Swann is a brand ambassador for Kingfisher Beer

Words: Stuart Appleby
Images: LMI Photography

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