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Swann form delights Collingwood

October 07, 2007 00:00:00


DAMBULLA, Oct 6 (BBC): Skipper Paul Collingwood says Graeme Swann's displays in Sri Lanka mean Monty Panesar will struggle to get back into England's one-day side.
Swann produced a fine all-round display as England levelled the five-match series at 1-1 in Dambulla Thursday.
Collingwood said: "We know what Monty can do but Graeme is doing what is being asked of him and playing well.
"He's been very good. He changes his pace very well and just his overall contribution has been pretty special."
The winners of Sunday's third match in the series will head to Colombo with a 2-1 lead and two matches to play.
Nottinghamshire all-rounder Swann has bowled tidily, removing key batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan in the second one-dayer, as well as contributing 58 runs in his two innings so far to bolster the tourists' lower order.
Collingwood added: "To come in at number eight and perform with the bat as well is a big contribution, especially on wickets like this.
"His fielding is pretty good and to bowl his 10 overs for not many runs and take crucial wickets is a really good all-round performance.
"He hasn't played for England for a long time and I think he's learnt since he's gone back to county cricket and he's come in, he's confident and done well so far."
Swann's ability to contribute with more than just the ball gives him a major edge over Panesar, although both could work in tandem for the forthcoming Test series against the same opponents from next month.
Thursday's 65-run victory was equally significant for left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom to prove he is as effective overseas as he is in English conditions.
His return to the side, having been overlooked for the majority of the Duncan Fletcher reign, was one of the major successes of the summer.
Now he has been joined by Nottinghamshire team-mate Swann, he believes they can give hope to many players battling for recognition in county cricket.
Sidebottom said: "Six years was a long time to wait so you want to do well for yourself if you get the chance and you also want to prove that by playing county cricket you can step up to that level.

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