Swann - Keep momentum going

Spinner pleased with start to South Africa tour

Last updated: 9th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Swann - Keep momentum going

Swann: feeling positive

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Graeme Swann feels England are reaping the rewards of adopting a positive mindset from the outset of their tour to South Africa.

However, the off-spinner has warned the tourists must attempt to maintain their momentum in what promises to be a much busier second week.

England are enjoying a rest day on Monday having made it two wins from two tour matches following a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph over the Warriors in Kimberley on Sunday.

Andrew Strauss' men now face South Africa A in a 20-over clash in what will be their final warm-up match on Tuesday, before ending the week with Twenty20 internationals against the Proteas on Friday and Sunday in Johannesburg and Pretoria respectively.

Swann caught the eye in England's success on Sunday as he took 3-26 against the Warriors and has urged his team-mates not to let their intensity drop.

"As Andrew Strauss has said before both these games, nearly every tour he's ever been on, England have gone terribly in these warm-up games and don't get anything like the practise and momentum we need out of the games going into a series," the Nottinghamshire bowler stated.

"So, he's put a lot of emphasis on treating them like full internationals and I think we have. Everyone's performed, which is positive."

Swann also heaped praise on his captain, who made 117 not out, for his inspiring display at the De Beers Diamond Oval.

"Yesterday 250 could have been one of those totals which is quite tricky to chase," he continued. "But the way in which Strauss and Joe Denly played at the top bodes very well because they looked very positive.

"They also looked to play a fresh, exciting brand of cricket, which is something we probably need because we've not done it for a while."