Swann rejects Ajmal’s ‘mystery ball’ claims ahead of Pak-England series

Dubai: England spinner Graeme Swann has rejected his Pakistani counterpart Saeed Ajmal’s claim that the latter has developed a special delivery for the opponent team, as the same mind game that had been played by Aussie legend Shane Warne in the past.

“It was only going to be a matter of time before someone took on Warney’s mantle. I’m looking forward to seeing it as I’m sure he is! Let’s face it as an off spinner you can have a ball that goes one way and one that goes the other and one that goes straight on,” a daily quoted Swann, as saying. “If someone has managed to invent one that goes underground or over the batsman’s head after pitching then fair play. I’ll happily be called a showman but I don’t think I have the bluster and the bravado that you need to be able to pull off the claims of a mystery ball,” he added. His statement came ahead of the England –Pakistan series in the United Arab Emirates, where both are expected to play a key role for their side. Pakistan will likely play at least two spinners but England would likely to stick with Swann as their only spinner despite Monty Panesar’s impressive performance in the warm up games. ANI