Injured Swann opts out of Australia ODIs, to be fit by World Cup
January 25th, 2011 - 5:24 pm ICT by IANSLondon, Jan 25 (IANS) England spinner Graeme Swann was Tuesday ruled out from the remaining One-day Internationals (ODI) against Australia due to a back injury but is expected to be fit in time for the cricket World Cup. Swann’s injury comes as a setback for the English side after fast bowler Tim Bresnan flew back home to nurse a calf strain. The off-spinner will fly home from Australia Wednesday.
“It is frustrating but the priority for me now is the World Cup,” Swann was quoted as saying by the BBC Sport.
“I have had the time of my life over here and bringing back the Ashes is something that will always stay with me,” he said.
Swann took 15 wickets in England’s Ashes triumph down under after 24 years.
Team director Andy Flower admitted the long tour is taking a toll on the players.
“It is best for him (Swann) to go home and get ready for the World Cup. It is a big blow because he is an important part of our side.
“He is a world-class performer and he is full of confidence after the Ashes, but these things happen.
“We are coming towards the end of a long, hard tour and certainly the physical challenges are starting to take their toll.”
England are struggling in the seven match ODI series after losing the first three games. However, the team will get a lift in the bowling department as Stuart Broad and James Anderson are back in the side.
- Injured Swann to return to England - Jan 25, 2011
- Flower says 'cricket overdose' behind England's 'wounded warriors' squad - Feb 05, 2011
- Injury-hit England have much to ponder over fitness (Team Profile, World Cup Countdown) - Feb 09, 2011
- Strauss backs England to do well in World Cup despite Oz ODI series rout, injuries - Feb 07, 2011
- Strauss desperate to win Perth ODI to build World Cup momentum - Feb 05, 2011
- Broad retains his place, Bresnan recalled in England squad - Jul 17, 2011
- Trott latest injured cricketer of England team - Feb 20, 2011
- Panesar, Davies return to England squad - Dec 09, 2011
- Tremlett to be a travelling reserve for England team - Feb 09, 2011
- Tim Bresnan ruled out from Test series against Sri Lanka - May 18, 2011
- England's World Cup campaign has been helped by injuries: Pietersen - Jan 30, 2011
- 'David Hasselhoff of cricket' Swann key to England's Ashes victory, says Warne - Nov 05, 2010
- England have to watch out for The Netherlands (Preview) - Feb 21, 2011
- First big test for India Sunday - Feb 26, 2011
- 'I'll definitely be fine for World Cup from the start,' says Swann - Jan 26, 2011
Tags: 24 years, andy flower, back injury, bbc sport, bresnan, calf strain, cricket world cup, james anderson, london jan, odi series, odis, physical challenges, ready for the world, setback, spinner, team director, three games, time of my life, wickets, world class performer