Swann warns Oz of England’s ‘world class’ players ahead of ODI series

London: Graeme Swann has said England’s fast bowlers and batsmen are of world class quality, and are capable enough beating any side in the world.

Swann believes the depth in the England squad, especially when it comes to fast bowling, is unparalleled, and the whole world is envious of it. “Since I’ve been playing, this is the strongest England have been in terms of squad depth. Look at our stock of fast bowlers, it is probably the envy of world cricket — we’ve got world class seamers waiting to come in,” Swann said. Swann said it is not only the England bowling that scares other teams, but even their batting is of same class. He praised Kevin Pietersen’s replacements in the one-day and Twenty20 squads, Ian Bell and Alex Hales. Ian Bell struck 126 as an opener against the West Indies at the Rose Bowl, while Alex Hales made as 99 in Sunday’s Twenty20 victory at Trent Bridge. “The Aussies have a strong bowling attack but in one-day cricket we’re batting exceptionally well at the minute, and long may that continue. We’ve won our six one-day games this year with a century from an opener in each one,” Bell said. “Ian Bell has been in-and-out of the one-day team, but comes back and strokes a century. Everyone knows what a class player he is. I think this opener role could be the making of him. Alex Hales is a great talent — it was such a shame when he got out for 99,” he added. ANI