Swann: England Decision To Bowl First Was Justified

England captain Andrew Strauss was justified in deciding to let South Africa bat first on the opening day of a four-Test series with South Africa, Graeme Swann has stated.

The home side finished the day on 262-4 at stumps, with Jacques Kallis ending on an unbeaten 112, after putting on a 102 partnership with JP Duminy.

However, spin-bowler Swann told Sky Sports that the skipper's choice to put the South Africans in to bat was a fair one.

He remarked: "I think we were justified bowling first. It looked green and seemed a bit damp yesterday so we were all behind the decision."

The 30-year-old ended day one with the wickets of Ashwell Prince and AB de Villiers, but admitted there is still a "lot of hard work" ahead.

England's odds of coming away with a win in the opening Test have lengthened to 8/1 with Sportingbet(Go to Sportingbet »), while Betfred(Go to Betfred ») has South Africa at 4/5 to take first blood.

Written By:- Paul (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 17/12/2009 - 12:00 PM
Filed in:- Cricket Betting News