Pietersen: Swann made Cook's captaincy look good

Former batsman Kevin Pietersen is adamant England are going to struggle without the retired Graeme Swann during July and August's challenging five-Test series against India.
Former batsman Kevin Pietersen is adamant England are going to struggle without the retired Graeme Swann during July and August's challenging five-Test series against India.
Swann quit international cricket during the tour of Australia last year – and the English have not identified a feasible replacement for the foreseeable future yet. Left-armer Monty Panesar was the incumbent – but has since been dropped by Essex.
Leg-spinner Scott Borthwick was not retained after the fifth and final Ashes Test, while burgeoning all-rounder Moeen Ali was the slow bowler of choice during last month's series against Sri Lanka.
"Alastair Cook struggles to captain the side when opposition batters become established because he cannot toss the ball to Swann, who could defend and attack in equal measure," Pietersen wrote in the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>.
"Swann made Andrew Strauss' captaincy look good and he made Cook's look good, too, by making crucial breakthroughs when the opposition were threatening to take the game away.
"It was down to Swann's genius, and not tactical masterstrokes. The Indians respect Swann hugely, they think he is a fantastic bowler and I know they are licking their lips about facing any other English spinner who bowls to them."
The first Test will get underway at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Wednesday. Lord's in London, the Rose Bowl in Southampton, Old Trafford in Manchester and The Oval in London will host fixtures two, three, four and five respectively.
Latest
-
News
Tributes pour in for former umpire Rudi Koertzen following death aged 73
The MCC said it was “saddened” to learn of Koertzen’s death.
-
News
Lisa Keightley to step down as England head coach at the end of the summer
The Australian took over in January 2020 and led England to the final of this year’s World Cup.
-
News
Chance to Shine graduates Lauren Bell and Issy Wong excited to keep on inspiring
The pair have enjoyed a memorable year so far with international debuts in multiple formats.
-
News
Jordan Thompson stars with the ball as London Spirit hammer Manchester Originals
Seamer Thompson, who took two wickets on his tournament debut at the Oval last week, followed that up with a remarkable four for 21 from 20 balls.
-
News
Sam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
The wicketkeeper will captain the side for the tour match against South Africa.
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
News
Richard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
England
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.