Swann calls for consistency
Swann calls for consistency
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Tuesday, 10, Nov 2009 04:14
By Michael Younger.
Graeme Swann feels England are reaping the rewards of adopting a positive mindset from the outset of their tour to South Africa, but has called for his team-mates not to let their intensity drop.
Following crushing wins in 50-over matches against the Eagles and the Warriors, England face a South Africa A team today in a 20-over clash in what will be their final warm-up match.
Later this week England will take on the Proteas in two Twenty20 internationals, and after Swann caught the eye in England's success on Sunday, taking 3-26 against the Warriors, the off-spinner has warned the touring side that they must maintain their momentum in what promises to be a much busier second week.
"It's a young vibrant squad and everyone there knows they're going to play with that freedom and aggression. Hopefully that's going to carry on into the full internationals," he explained.
"We all want to play in successful team rather than one that's just limping along."
He continued: "On our day we're superb, like we showed against South Africa in the Champions Trophy and Sri Lanka to a certain extent, and the very next day we can turn up and be distinctly average, as we showed against Australia.
"We need to perform and start winning as a squad consistently, so in 18 months time we can realistically go to the World Cup expecting to win. Because I don't think we've expected to win a World Cup since 1992.
"We need to start winning series, both home and away, like Australia do currently - they've just beaten India in India.
"This time last year, I think we came a close fifth in a two-horse race in India, so we need to win the vast majority of games if we're going to be realistic World Cup contenders."